Mayoral election in Tulsa, Oklahoma (2024)
From Ballotpedia - Reading time: 25 min
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← 2020
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| 2024 Tulsa elections |
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| Election dates |
| Filing deadline: June 12, 2024 |
| General election: August 27, 2024 Runoff election: November 5, 2024 |
| Election stats |
| Offices up: Mayor |
| Total seats up: 1 (click here for other city elections) |
| Election type: Nonpartisan |
| Other municipal elections |
| U.S. municipal elections, 2024 |
Monroe Nichols defeated Karen Keith in the general runoff election for Mayor of Tulsa on November 5, 2024.
Seven candidates ran in the August 27 general election. No candidate received a majority of the vote, requiring a runoff. Nichols received the most votes with 33.1%, Keith received the second most with 32.6%. Brent VanNorman was the third-highest vote-getter in the general election with 31.8%. Incumbent G. T. Bynum did not run for re-election.
Following the election, VanNorman requested a recount, as state law permits any candidate on the ballot regardless of margin. Tulsa County District Court Presiding Judge Dawn Moody approved the recount could proceed on September 5.[1][2] To learn more about the recount, click here
Keith and Nichols were both affiliated with the Democratic Party. Tulsa voters have not elected a Democratic mayor since Kathy Taylor was elected in 2006. The last two mayors, Bynum and Dewey Bartlett Jr., were both affiliated with the Republican Party.[3][4]
The November runoff was the first time since voters passed an initiative to eliminate partisan city officer elections in 2011 that all mayoral candidates were Democrats.[5]This was also the second time since Tulsa started holding nonpartisan municipal elections that a mayoral race has advanced to a runoff. The first time was in 2013.[6] This was Tulsa's fourth mayoral election since switching to a nonpartisan election system, meaning 50% of mayoral elections under the nonpartisan system have advanced to a runoff. Click here to see Tulsa's past mayoral election results.
Keith had served on the Tulsa County Board of Commissioners since 2008. Before holding elected office, she was a television news anchor, reporter, and executive producer, and Director of Community Relations and Vision Implementation for former Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune.[7]
Keith ran on her record. Her campaign website said, "From addressing issues at the county jail to combating crime, working on juvenile justice, improving our streets, and addressing homelessness, Karen has a track record of leadership and getting things done."[7] In a campaign video on her website, Keith said, "My vision for Tulsa is quite straightforward: A city that's safe, with top-notch schools, well-maintained streets and abundant opportunities and affordable housing... You can be sure I will stand up for public education."[7]
Nichols had served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives representing District 72 since 2016. Before he was elected, he was a mayoral aide, chief of staff to a university president, and an economic development director. Nichols also served as the Director of Policy and Partnerships for StriveTogether, a national nonprofit focused on student success.[8][9]
Nichols' campaign website says, "During his career at the capitol, he has been a leading voice on education, healthcare, criminal justice reform, and economic growth."[9] As mayor, Nichols' campaign website says he "will work tirelessly to end homelessness, invest in education, expand our economy, and ensure Tulsa is the safest big city in America."[9]
Tulsa does not have term limits for the position of mayor. Mayors serve a four-year term.
As of August 2024, the partisan breakdown of mayors of the 100 largest U.S. cities was 63 Democrats, 25 Republicans, one Libertarian, four independents, and five nonpartisans. Two mayors' partisan affiliations are unknown. Click here to learn more about the partisan affiliations of mayors in the 100 largest cities.
Election recount[edit]
Based on the Oklahoma State Election Board website, Nichols received 18,763 votes, Keith received 18,471 votes, and VanNorman received 18,035 votes in the November 5 general election.[10] At the time of the election, Oklahoma allowed any candidate on the ballot to request a recount regardless of margin. Tulsa County District Court Presiding Judge Dawn Moody approved the recount could proceed on September 5.[2] The recount concluded on September 10. Based on the final results, Nichols received 18,752 votes, Keith received 18,458 votes, and VanNorman received 18,021 votes.[11]
Recount timeline[edit]
Click below to view a timeline of the recount, including rulings and vote totals.
Recount laws in Oklahoma[edit]
- See also: Recount laws in Oklahoma
The list below shows answers to common questions regarding recounts in Oklahoma.[14]
- Does state law require automatic recounts?
- No.
- When must an automatic recount be completed?
- There are no automatic recounts in this state.
- Can a recount be requested?
- Yes, the recount can be requested by 5:00 p.m. on the Friday after the election. There is no margin required for a candidate-requested recount. Requirements for voter-requested recounts of non-statewide ballot measures vary and can be found below. There is no deadline for completion.
- Who pays for a requested recount?
- The requester.
- Is a refund available for requested recount costs?
- Yes. Costs paid by the requester are refunded if the recount changes the election outcome. A requester might receive a refund if the amount paid was greater than the actual cost of the recount.
- Can a partial recount be requested?
- Yes
Elections[edit]
Click on the tabs below to show more information about those topics.
Candidates and results[edit]
General runoff election
General runoff election for Mayor of Tulsa
Monroe Nichols defeated Karen Keith in the general runoff election for Mayor of Tulsa on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Monroe Nichols (Nonpartisan) | 55.6 | 76,300 |
 | Karen Keith (Nonpartisan) | 44.4 | 60,873 | |
| Total votes: 137,173 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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General election
General election for Mayor of Tulsa
The following candidates ran in the general election for Mayor of Tulsa on August 27, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Monroe Nichols (Nonpartisan) | 33.1 | 18,729 |
| ✔ | | Karen Keith (Nonpartisan) | 32.6 | 18,457 |
 | Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan) | 31.8 | 18,019 | |
 | Casey Bradford (Nonpartisan) | 1.5 | 823 | |
| John Jolley (Nonpartisan) | 0.6 | 366 | |
| Kaleb Hoosier (Nonpartisan) | 0.2 | 105 | |
 | Paul Tay (Nonpartisan) | 0.2 | 86 | |
| Total votes: 56,585 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Additional elections on the ballot[edit]
- See also: Oklahoma elections, 2024
February 13, 2024
- Tulsa Public Schools, Oklahoma, elections (2024)
- Union Public Schools, Oklahoma, elections (2024)
- Bixby Public Schools, Oklahoma, elections (2024)
- Catoosa Public Schools, Oklahoma, elections (2024)
- Owasso Public Schools, Oklahoma, elections (2024)
April 2, 2024
- Tulsa Public Schools, Oklahoma, elections (2024)
- Union Public Schools, Oklahoma, elections (2024)
- Bixby Public Schools, Oklahoma, elections (2024)
- Catoosa Public Schools, Oklahoma, elections (2024)
- Owasso Public Schools, Oklahoma, elections (2024)
June 18, 2024
- Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District election, 2024
- Oklahoma's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024
- Oklahoma Corporation Commission election, 2024
- Oklahoma State Senate elections, 2024
- Oklahoma House of Representatives elections, 2024
- Municipal elections in Osage County, Oklahoma (2024)
- Municipal elections in Tulsa County, Oklahoma (2024)
August 27, 2024
- Oklahoma State Senate elections, 2024
- Oklahoma House of Representatives elections, 2024
- Municipal elections in Tulsa County, Oklahoma (2024)
- City elections in Tulsa, Oklahoma (2024)
- Mayoral election in Tulsa, Oklahoma (2024)
November 5, 2024
- Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District election, 2024
- Oklahoma's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024
- Oklahoma Corporation Commission election, 2024
- Oklahoma State Senate elections, 2024
- Oklahoma House of Representatives elections, 2024
- Oklahoma Supreme Court elections, 2024
- Oklahoma intermediate appellate court elections, 2024
- Oklahoma State Question 833, Public Infrastructure Districts Amendment (2024)
- Oklahoma State Question 834, Citizenship Requirement for Voting Amendment (2024)
- Municipal elections in Osage County, Oklahoma (2024)
- Municipal elections in Tulsa County, Oklahoma (2024)
- City elections in Tulsa, Oklahoma (2024)
- Mayoral election in Tulsa, Oklahoma (2024)
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses[edit]
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
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John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
I will support Local Control of TPS and the Leadership of Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson.
There are Many Fine Individuals in the TPS System (Teachers, Administrators, Coaches, etc.) Who Deserve the Support and Respect of Our City.
I want to continue Tulsa's Progress in its Aid of its 'Misplaced' Citizens. There will not be any kind of quick fix, for this 'misplacement' has been expanding since the early 1980's. The recent 'Darkness' of the Pandemic has only expanded the crisis, for Our World has changed.
Most of Us are 'only' one Financial or Medical Hardship from joining those unfortunate souls fighting for Survival through Desperation.
Tulsa must do what it can as the City (working with the various non-profits already engaged in the war) helps its Citizens get back on Their Feet with Opportunities. Opportunities that can lead to Belief, for without Belief in Oneself - There is no hope for a better future.
Growth and Prosperity - Tulsa must continue to evolve (as it has been doing), for its Future depends on it.
Technology, Aeronautics, Entertainment (in both Music and Film), Manufacturing, and Distribution have and should continue to be at the forefront of this.
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
Address Public Safety Issues of high crime and homelessness. First, is a major recruiting effort for hiring police officers. Second, we must recognize homelessness is primarily a drug addiction and mental health issue. Yes, the homeless need a place or they won’t go to appointments. But we must enforce Tulsa's no-camp ordinance to ensure the streets are safe and our homeless have a facility they can sleep safely in that offers care.
Making Tulsa a more affordable place to live and raise a family. Generations of Tulsans have built families, started businesses, and invested in the future. We must lower housing costs through new home ownership incentives, reduce the tax burden for hardworking families, and bring new opportunities to Tulsa.
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
They were Brothers and Best Friends. They grew up broke Brothers on a Dirt Farm in Tennessee. They were the Same - full of Integrity, Honor, Compassion, Strength, Kindness, Warmth, and Love They were Different. My Father was Compassionate to All, but Selective regarding Friends. He was also a quiet Man of Warmth. My Uncle was a 'Bigger then Life' Man, full of Joy and Laughter. Both were Loved and Respected by All. They both overcame their oppressed youthful years to become Stronger and Better Men, with My Pop silently carrying his PTSD within from His Years in WWII. These two (2) Great Men became Greater and Better Men then their Father and Showed My Older Sisters, All My Cousins, and Me how to Live with Integrity and Honor.
They were all about Love.
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
For President Truman, I would recommend David McCullough's 'Truman'.
For President Teddy Roosevelt, I would recommend Doris Kearns Goodwin's 'The Bully Pulpit'
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
I was in Memphis as a Kid with My Family (with Memphis been a two hour train ride to the south) during the 'Refuse Strike' of '68, that ultimately resulted in the Death of Dr. King by a Moronic Hateful Individual.
Apollo 11 landing on the Moon in 1969 (Age 7).
I felt the Horrific Emotions felt by My Family in '68 and the Excitement and Pride felt by My Family in '69.
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
'Seabiscuit: An American Legend' by Laura Hillenbrand. This is a Story of Magic and Inspiration, as Three (3) Broken Men come together behind a Broken Horse and Rise to Greatness, during America' Great Depression.
'The Boys In The Boat' by Daniel James Brown. This true Story of a Nine (9) Young Men of America's Northwest, coming from Nothing during the Times of the Great Depression, Rising to Greatness as They make both a Life and Political Statement by Defeating Hitler in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. This is one of those rare books, where one re-centers His or Her Life. You appreciate what You have. You witness the Power of Teamwork, Perseverance, Commitment, and Belief.
You acknowledge the tough times of Our Past and the Heroes that Powered through Them.
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
The Decisions only affected Me, as I made Decisions involving My Future Career(s). These Decisions by a Young Man led to feelings of Regret, Remorse, and Guilt - ultimately leading to feelings of Depression. It was 'only' during the moments of Desperation, during the recent 'Darkness' of the Pandemic, that I was able to Look at My Life and Forgive Myself (for those decisions made by a young Man so long ago).
I have truly been Blessed in Life with My Daughter, My many, many Beloved Friends, My Mentors (Family Members, Teachers, etc), and My Health.
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
The People of Tulsa are Why I have chosen to call Tulsa Home for over 40 years.
I also Love the Beauty of Tulsa - the Parks, the Art Deco Architecture, Music, etc.
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
John O'Connor, Former Oklahoma Attorney General Mark Tedford, Oklahoma House of Representatives Dana Prieto, Oklahoma Senate Chris Banning, Oklahoma Senate David Been, Former Tulsa Chief of Police Paula Marshall, CEO, Bama Companies Michael Krimbill, CEO, NGL Energy Partners
Women For Tulsa
John Jolley (Nonpartisan)
Brent VanNorman (Nonpartisan)
Candidate profiles[edit]
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Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I am the current Owner of Big Guys, Inc. (an Indoor Billboard Company for Tulsa and the surrounding area). I have owned and operated this Business for 29 years. Prior to going into the Advertising Business, I was a Petroleum Engineer for 15 Years (14 years in Tulsa and 1 year working offshore out of New Orleans, LA). Tulsa has been My Home for 42 Years. I first came here in 1982 to obtain a Degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Tulsa, after spending My First Two (2) Years of College at the U.S. Naval Academy. I am a Single Father of a Wonderful, Magical Daughter. I grew up in a small town located on the State Line of Southwest Kentucky and Northwest Tennessee - the 'Twin Cities' of Fulton, Kentucky and South Fulton, Tennessee. My Home was in Kentucky, but much of My Time (outside of playing Sports) was spent on Our Family Farm in Tennessee - 'JolleyLand'."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Tulsa in 2024.
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I am 64 years old and have been married to my wife, Marsha, for 41 years. We have two children and three grandchildren. My undergrad degree was in accounting and computer science. I worked for an international CPA firm for almost nine years doing system consulting work. I then attended seminary, planted a church, and was a pastor for nearly ten years (bi-vocational for much of that time). I then went to law school and practiced law with an international law firm for thirteen years as a patent attorney, primarily focused on complex patent litigation. In addition to this experience, I have been in executive management of a title insurance company, an impact investing firm, and a software company. I currently am an adjunct professor teaching intellectual property online for Liberty University."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Tulsa in 2024.
Mayoral partisanship[edit]
Tulsa has a Republican mayor. As of November 2024, 63 mayors in the largest 100 cities by population are affiliated with the Democratic Party, 25 are affiliated with the Republican Party, one is affiliated with the Libertarian Party, four are independents, five identify as nonpartisan or unaffiliated, and two mayors' affiliations are unknown. Click here for a list of the 100 largest cities' mayors and their partisan affiliations.
Mayoral elections are officially nonpartisan in most of the nation's largest cities. However, many officeholders are affiliated with political parties. Ballotpedia uses one or more of the following sources to identify each officeholder's partisan affiliation: (1) direct communication from the officeholder, (2) current or previous candidacy for partisan office, or (3) identification of partisan affiliation by multiple media outlets.
What was at stake?[edit]
Report a story for this election[edit]
Ballotpedia researches issues in local elections across the United States, but information availability is a challenge for us in many areas. Please contact us about the issues that impact your local election. Note that not all submissions may meet Ballotpedia's coverage requirements for inclusion.
Candidate survey[edit]
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About the city[edit]
- See also: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa serves as the county seat of Tulsa County, the most densely populated county in Oklahoma, and extends into Osage, Rogers, and Wagoner counties. As of 2020, its population was 413,066.
City government[edit]
- See also: Mayor-council government
The city of Tulsa uses a strong mayor and city council system. In this form of municipal government, the city council serves as the city's primary legislative body and the mayor serves as the city's chief executive.[15]
Demographics[edit]
The following table displays demographic data provided by the United States Census Bureau.
| Demographic Data for Tulsa, Oklahoma | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tulsa | Oklahoma | |
| Population | 413,066 | 3,959,353 |
| Land area (sq mi) | 197 | 68,596 |
| Race and ethnicity** | ||
| White | 63.3% | 71.1% |
| Black/African American | 15% | 7.3% |
| Asian | 3.5% | 2.2% |
| Native American | 4.5% | 7.7% |
| Pacific Islander | 0.1% | 0.2% |
| Two or more | 8.9% | 8.7% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 17.1% | 10.9% |
| Education | ||
| High school graduation rate | 87.8% | 88.6% |
| College graduation rate | 31.3% | 26.1% |
| Income | ||
| Median household income | $49,474 | $53,840 |
| Persons below poverty level | 18.3% | 15.3% |
| Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2015-2020). | ||
| **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here. | ||
See also[edit]
| Tulsa, Oklahoma | Oklahoma | Municipal government | Other local coverage |
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External links[edit]
Footnotes[edit]
- ↑ KTUL-TV, "Tulsa judge to rule on mayoral recount request as candidates await decision," September 3, 2024
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Tulsa World,"Update: Recount for mayoral race begins: City Council recount verifies Jackie Dutton's win," September 5, 2024
- ↑ https://tulsaports.com/board/dewey-follett-bartlett-jr/ Tulsa Ports, "Dewey Follett Bartlett, Jr.," accessed August 29, 2024
- ↑ YouTube, "A Republican mayor's plan to replace partisanship with policy | G.T. Bynum," January 1, 2018
- ↑ News On 6, "Tulsa Voters Reject City Government Overhaul Propositions," November 8, 2011
- ↑ [https://tulsaworld.com/news/bartlett-triumphs-in-tulsa-mayoral-race/article_8e8bfe9d-6849-5522-9b94-24bfb5400d21.html Tulsa World, "Bartlett Triumphs in mayoral race," August 29, 2024.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Karen Keith 2024 campaign website, "Home," accessed August 28, 2024
- ↑ LinkedIn, "Monroe Nichols, accessed August 29, 2024
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Monro Nichols 2024 campaign website,"Meet Monroe, accessed August 28, 2024
- ↑ OKelections.gov, "Local Results: City of Tulsa," accessed September 3, 2024
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Fox 23 News, "Recount of Tulsa mayoral election complete, overall results remain the same," September 10, 2024
- ↑ KJRH, "Tulsa court rules recount can begin in Tulsa mayoral election," September 5, 2024
- ↑ Tulsa World, "Brent VanNormal seeking recount of Tulsa Mayoral Election Results," August 30, 2024
- ↑ [https://law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/title-26/ Oklahoma State Statutes, "26-8-109 to117," accessed April 17, 2024]
- ↑ Tulsa City Charter, "Art. II & III," accessed September 2, 2014
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