In the upcoming Tulsa City Council elections, three of nine seats are open because incumbents have decided not to run for re-election.
In the 5th District in particular, a neck-and-neck race is emerging with five candidates, including incumbent Jamie Fowler and Julie Dunbar, who was encouraged by Fowler to run. A runoff is likely in this district, as a candidate must receive over 50% of the vote to win outright.
Several council members have decided not to run for re-election, leaving three of the nine seats vacant. Jeannie Cue of West Tulsa (District 2), Crista Patrick, who represents Northeast Tulsa (District 3), and Grant Miller of District 5, which is in the middle of the city, are resigning. This guarantees that one-third of the City Council will be filled even if incumbents win in the other races.
The 5th District will be particularly interesting to watch, as incumbent Jamie Fowler originally planned to run for mayor, but changed his mind and is now seeking re-election. Fowler also encouraged Julie Dunbar to run, effectively recruiting one of his own competitors. In addition to Fowler and Dunbar, state Reps. Carol Bush, Lee Ann Crosby and Matthew Nelson are also in the race.
In addition, former councilwoman Karen Gilbert is hoping to return to the council. She is running against Alicia Andrews for the 5th District seat. This district is one of three open seats where a candidate needs at least 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff.
Although there will not be a run-off election in all election campaigns, it is likely in constituencies with several well-known candidates, particularly in the 5th constituency.
The runoff election will be held in November and will coincide with the general election, which will also include the presidential election. The winners of the council elections will take office on December 2, after the general election.
Jonathan Cooper: “Emory, how likely are these races to go to a runoff?”
Emory: “Well, not all of them, but one or two, especially those where there are multiple candidates in the race. In District 5, for example, there are several well-known names, so it’s very likely there will be a runoff. The mayoral election is also an exciting race. The runoff will be in November, and those who win will take office on December 2.”
Jonathan Cooper: “Thank you, Emory. And when will the winners take office?”
Emory: “They will take office on December 2nd, after the November runoff election, which also includes the presidential election. The new mayor, the new auditor and the new city councilors will all take office on that day.”
