Monroe Nichols will be Tulsa’s next mayor.
Nichols won with more than 55% of the vote on Tuesday night, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board.
“It’s been a long time coming, but tonight we made history,” Nichols said in front of a crowd of cheering supporters — some of them tearing up in joy.
Nichols, 41, will be the first Black Tulsan to serve as mayor. He has represented District 72, which covers parts of Tulsa, Turley and Owasso, in the Oklahoma House of Representatives since 2016. Many considered Nichols an underdog when he announced his mayoral bid last year, but he never trailed as the votes were counted Tuesday night. He will now replace G.T. Bynum as Tulsa’s mayor in December.
Standing on a stage with his family, flanked by bouquets of colorful balloons, Nichols painted Tulsa as a hopeful city where change can occur.
“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,” Nichols said to cheers.
He reiterated the policy goals that have been central in his campaign: ending homelessness, improving student outcomes, reducing crime, and improving tribal relations. He also pledged to unite the city after a contentious runoff race with Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith that began in August.
“Now as your mayor, I am fully accountable to every citizen of our city…even when we disagree,” he said. “I look forward to working with [Keith] in the months ahead.”
Keith and her supporters had accused Nichols of being soft on crime and missing key votes as a legislator, while Nichols’ camp had connected her to the recent abuse allegations at the Tulsa County juvenile detention center.
But in her concession speech Tuesday night, Keith struck a conciliatory tone, urging “all Tulsa” to rally behind Nichols, calling it a historic election where underrepresented citizens will now feel represented at City Hall.
“Now it’s time for all of us to wholeheartedly put our support behind Monroe Nichols as Mayor of Tulsa,” Keith said. “I’m very excited about the possibilities … I’m hopeful that we will all move forward and remember the power of unity over division.”
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