Broken Arrow Mayor Loses Reelection, City Council To Vote On New Mayor

Broken Arrow will soon have a new Mayor, after Craig Thurmond lost his city council re-election bid to Lisa Ford.

Following Ford's election, the women will be the majority on the Broken Arrow City Council for the first time.

"Really looking forward to coming out of a world pandemic and then having new leadership in our city,” Wimpee said.

Debra Wimpee said her win will help bring the city together again after one of its toughest years ever.

"I gave up my job and seat at the Union School Board because I felt like it was that important for our citizens' voices to be heard,” Ford said.

Voters also elected Lisa Ford to Ward 2's seat.

Ford said for her, it's not about gender, but about getting back on the right track, as the city was at the center of a mask resolution battle last month.

"That's the same date Texas was opening up and our numbers were under 300, so I think that's why so many people were upset,” Ford said.

Mayor Craig Thurmond released a statement saying, "It has been a great 20 years. We have accomplished a lot in Broken Arrow during my time on council. I am very proud of what I have done. I think Broken Arrow will continue to do great things; I look forward to a very bright future!"

"I'm excited to see some women power in play there,” Smith said.

Broken Arrow resident Diana Smith said she is ready for change. She believes the new leadership will allow folks to make their own decision.

"I think everyone should have the right to choose whether to wear a mask,” Smith said.

"Obviously, we don't need to let our guard down, but we don't need a paper to tell you to make sure you are doing what's right for you and your family,” Wimpee said.

Wimpee and Ford will begin their new terms on April 19th. and on Tuesday, April 20th the city council will nominate and vote for the positions of Mayor and Vice Mayor.