Nov 10, 2024 Story by: Editor
Monroe Nichols has been elected as Tulsa’s next mayor, making history as the first Black mayor in the city’s history. Unofficial results show Nichols winning 55.62% of the 137,173 votes, surpassing his opponent, Karen Keith. Nichols is set to assume office on December 2.
Celebrating his win at a watch party held at the Greenwood Cultural Center, Nichols addressed the crowd, saying, “If there is anyone out there who still questions if Tulsa is a place where big things are possible — if there’s anybody out there who doubts that no matter who you are you can make an impact — tonight, you got your answer.”
A Democratic state representative, Nichols campaigned on tackling homelessness, advocating for youth, and striving to make Tulsa the safest big city in the country. His opponent, Karen Keith, a Democratic county commissioner, promoted a vision similar to that of current Mayor G.T. Bynum.
In the final stages of the race, Nichols and Keith clashed over issues concerning youth protection at the Tulsa County Family Center for Juvenile Justice. Nichols criticized Keith’s record on safeguarding incarcerated youth, while Keith maintained that the courts, not the commissioners, were responsible for the facility until they assumed control in July, even though the center was known to be non-compliant since May 2022. “She did not have responsibility for that, so I’m afraid that’s what’s defeating her tonight,” said Beverly Hoster, a friend of Keith’s, at her watch party at Stokely Event Center.
Despite the heated race, Keith expressed her support for Nichols, noting, “This is historic for our city, and I’m very excited about the possibilities. And I think it’s great recognition for some of our citizens who have never really felt like they’ve been represented, and so this is really great in the long run.”
While both candidates are Democrats, Keith garnered more conservative support leading up to Election Day, evidenced by a campaign flyer featuring her alongside Brent VanNorman, a conservative candidate who had lost in August.
Nichols’ campaign, however, emphasized inclusivity. Amanda Clinton, his communications director, said, “Everything that he has said along the way is that we’re going to do this together. It doesn’t matter which part of town you live in. It doesn’t matter what political party you are. You know, he’s made it a real point to make sure that we’re going to do everything we do, we’re going to improve Tulsa and we’re going to do it together.”
Current Mayor Bynum congratulated Nichols on his victory, calling it “the greatest honor Tulsans have in our power to bestow on one of our neighbors.” He added, “Mayor Nichols has my full commitment to do all I can to help him launch his Administration successfully on December 2nd. I am excited to begin that transition, and we are scheduled to meet on Thursday to kick things off.” Bynum also acknowledged Keith’s contributions to the city, stating, “Karen has our city’s gratitude for all she has done — and will continue to do — for Tulsa.”
Tulsa’s mayors serve in a nonpartisan capacity, with a strong mayor form of government, which entrusts the sitting mayor with administrative responsibilities. Source: Public Radio Tulsa
