The Tulsa Mayoral race is an open seat with seven candidates vying for the position. Mayor G. T. Bynum decided not to run and the field is wide open. The race is a non-partisan race with just the candidate names appearing on the ballot.
The candidates that filed in June are Brent L. VanNorman (64), Casey Bradford (32), Kaleb Hoosier (34), John Jolley (62), Karen Keith (70), Monroe Nichols (40), and Paul Tay (61).
VanNorman a political newcomer to the Tulsa community on his website says, “Brent, 64, is a Republican, patent attorney, CPA-MI, international businessman, and former pastor. With forty years of executive leadership experience, he has overseen complex multi-million dollar transactions, created jobs, and negotiated complex contracts.”
“Brent’s background in business, accounting, law, and ministry gives him a well-rounded skill set to grow Tulsa and create new opportunities for all. Brent and his wife of 41 years, Marsha, have two children and three grandchildren. Brent is ready to start a new chapter for Tulsa, prioritizing public safety and economic growth that puts families and our community first.”
He has been endorsed by U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern, former Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Conner, state legislators Mark Tedford, Dana Prieto and Chris Banning, Paula Marshall CEO of Bama Co., Mike Kimbrell, CEO of NPL Energy and the group, Women for Tulsa.
On the issues he wants to:
- make Tulsa into a business-friendly city to spur economic development as a business man he knows what needs to be done.
- to help Tulsa have Stronger Public Safety, and Safer Communities by working alongside police and non-profits.
- to make affordable housing available and be family focused. His agenda includes lowering housing costs through new home ownership incentives, reducing the tax burden for hardworking Tulsa families, and bringing new opportunities to Tulsa.
He views running for the mayor as a job interview and believes his skills and experience best suits the job description.
“years of executive leadership experience, he has overseen complex multi-million dollar transactions, created jobs, and negotiated complex contracts.”
“Brent’s background in business, accounting, law, and ministry gives him a well-rounded skill set to grow Tulsa and create new opportunities for all. Brent and his wife of 41 years, Marsha, have two children and three grandchildren. Brent is ready to start a new chapter for Tulsa, prioritizing public safety and economic growth that puts families and our community first.”
He has been endorsed by U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern, former Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Conner, state legislators Mark Tedford, Dana Prieto and Chris Banning, Paula Marshall CEO of Bama Co., Mike Kimbrell, CEO of NPL Energy and the group, Women for Tulsa.
On the issues he wants to:
- make Tulsa into a business-friendly city to spur economic development as a business man he knows what needs to be done.
- to help Tulsa have Stronger Public Safety, and Safer Communities by working alongside police and non-profits.
- to make affordable housing available and be family focused. His agenda includes lowering housing costs through new home ownership incentives, reducing the tax burden for hardworking Tulsa families, and bringing new opportunities to Tulsa.
He views running for the mayor as a job interview and believes his skills and experience best suits the job description.
Bradford is an 10 year Army Vet who served as a Chinese Mandarin linguist . He opened the Shady Keys Dueling Pian Bar in Tulsa in 2019.
In a forum on August 1st, he said that it was that experience that led him to run for mayor. Having to deal with all the red tape and roadblocks to open that business motivated him to become mayor and help change that process. He also mentioned education as a priority.
He said in the first 30 days he would ask questions and observe and then the next 60 days work alongside employees and make changes.
When Hoosier announced his bid for mayor he posted this on Reddit, “Kaleb Hoosier, a dedicated community advocate and visionary leader, officially announces his candidacy for the position of Mayor of Tulsa. With a passion for public service and a deep commitment to the betterment of our community, Hoosier seeks to bring positive change and progress to Tulsa.
Drawing upon his extensive experience in business administration, management, and finance, Hoosier aims to leverage his skills to drive economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and create opportunities for all residents. As a lifelong resident of Tulsa, he understands the unique challenges and potential of our community, and he is determined to build a brighter future for all.
Hoosier’s platform is rooted in the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration. He envisions an administration that actively engages with citizens, listens to their concerns, and implements innovative solutions that address the diverse needs of our community. With a focus on fostering a safe and thriving environment, Hoosier will prioritize public safety initiatives, sustainable development, and initiatives that promote social equity.
“I am humbled and honored to announce my candidacy for the mayoral position in Tulsa,” said Hoosier. “I believe in the power of collective action and the ability of our community to achieve greatness when we work together. With your support, we can build a prosperous future for Tulsa that benefits every resident, regardless of background or circumstance.”
However since that post the Beacon could find little about him. When he filed he gave no contact information and no website.
Jolley is running because he thinks Tulsa needs another mayor like Mayor Bynum. He feels the mayor needs to have compassion and kindness and represent all of Tulsa.
He was a petroleum engineer and owns an advertising agency currently. He wants to maintain the status quo.
Keith spent 26 years in broadcasting, 21 of those years with KJRH.
Since 2008 she has been the Tulsa County Commissioner of District 2. She ran as a Democrat. She is currently in her fourth four year term. In 2002 she worked for Mayor Bill LaFortune, helping pass Vision 2025. She has also worked for the Metro Tulsa Chamber of Commerce.
She intends to continue Mayor Bynum’s agendas and add to them. She claims that she can work with people to get things done.
Her vision for her term as mayor would be:
- Great schools
- Safe neighborhoods
- Well-maintained streets
- Abundant job opportunities
- Affordable housing
- Reduced homelessness
On her website, https://karenkeith.org/ she says, ”“I love Tulsa, and I’m ready to put my experience to work for the growth and prosperity of all our citizens. I’m open and willing to work with everyone, build unity and not get caught up in petty politics. I don’t care who gets the credit as long as it gets done.”
Nichols is currently in the Oklahoma House of Representatives as representative from House District #72 since 2016. He is a Democrat and the minority Caucus chair. He served as an aide to Mayor Kathy Taylor and she has endorsed him. He is proud of his efforts to help the LGBTQ movement.
His priorities are to end homelessness, improve student outcomes, increase affordable housing and co-govern with tribal nations. His website, monroeformayor.com lists ways he wishes to achieve these goals.
Tay is a perennial candidate that cannot really be described in a family newspaper.