POLITICS
Kimberly Marsh
Monroe Nichols, Tulsa Mayor-Elect, addressing supporters during election night event at Greenwood Cultural Center. Nichols makes history as first Black Mayor for the City of Tulsa, Okla. Photo Basil Childers, The Oklahoma Eagle
Monroe Nichols, Oklahoma State Rep (D-72), beating out challenger Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith, was elected Tulsa’s first Black mayor Tuesday night.
“If anyone out there still questions that 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,” Nichols told a jubilant crowd at the Greenwood Cultural Center Tuesday night.
At about 9:06 pm, Nichols acknowledged a hard-fought win with gratitude for a large voter turnout that showed that voters “understand that the work of building a strong city is the work of all of us. And that work starts at its most basic level, with our greatest American principle, one person, one vote.”
As his competitor, Commissioner Keith, wound down her mayoral bid at an election watch party at the Stokely Events Center, Nichols thanked her for her service to the city.
With 98 percent of the precincts reporting, both candidates called the race with their supporters. The results were 55.57 percent of the votes, totaling 75,483, for Nichols and 44.43 percent for Keith, with 60,362 votes.
“Although the campaign brings out differences as we compete, I know that both the commissioner and I share a deep, deep love for this community, and I look forward to working with her.”
In this nonpartisan race, Keith and Nichols campaigned aggressively, and at times negatively, for votes. Overall, they agreed to participate in many debates and forums. Their similar vision for the city was evident, but their approaches varied.
While calling for celebration Tuesday night, Nichols also paused to remember the thousands of people “who are prepared to sleep on streets.” He said, “Let’s not forget that the future of our young people is not quite yet guaranteed. Let’s not forget that economic inequality still threatens our city’s vitality. Let’s not forget that crime continues to impact our neighborhoods.” Nichols ran for mayor on a platform that included detailed plans for ending homelessness, making Tulsa safer while addressing mental health issues, improving student outcomes, increasing affordable housing and co-governing with Tribal Nations.
Keith encouraged her supporters to wholeheartedly put their support behind Nichols as mayor.
