Tulsa City Council Elections Marked By Open Seats, Crowded Races

In the upcoming Tulsa City Council elections, three out of nine seats are open due to incumbents deciding not to seek reelection.

Notably, District 5 is shaping up to be a crowded race with five candidates, including incumbent Jamie Fowler and Julie Dunbar, who was encouraged to run by Fowler. A runoff is likely in this district, as a candidate must secure over 50% of the vote to win outright.

Several councilors have chosen not to run for reelection, leaving three of the nine seats open. Jeannie Cue from West Tulsa (District 2), Crista Patrick representing northeast Tulsa (District 3), and Grant Miller from District 5, which is in the middle of the city, are stepping down. This guarantees that one-third of the City Council will be new, even if incumbents win in the other races.

District 5 will be particularly interesting to watch, as incumbent Jamie Fowler initially planned to run for mayor but changed his mind and is now seeking reelection. Fowler also encouraged Julie Dunbar to run, effectively recruiting one of his own competitors. Along with Fowler and Dunbar, State Rep. Carol Bush, Lee Ann Crosby, and Matthew Nelson are also in the race.

Additionally, former Councilor Karen Gilbert is hoping to return to the City Council, running against Alicia Andrews for the District 5 seat. This district is one of the three open seats where a candidate needs 50% of the vote or more to avoid a runoff.

While not all races may go to a runoff, it is likely in districts with multiple well-known candidates, particularly District 5.

The runoff election will take place in November, coinciding with the general election, which includes the presidential race. Winners of the council races will take office on Dec. 2, following the general election.

Jonathan Cooper: “Emory, how likely is it that these races go to a runoff?”

Emory: “Well, not all of them, but one or two, particularly those with several candidates in the race. District 5, for example, has several well-known names, so it's very likely it could go to a runoff. The mayor’s race is another one to watch. The runoff election will be in November, and for those who do win, they will take office on December 2.”

Jonathan Cooper: “Thank you, Emory. And when do the winners take office?”

Emory: “They will take office on Dec. 2, after the runoff election in November, which will also include the presidential race. The new mayor, the new auditor, and the new councilors will all take office on that date.”