Only three incumbents escaped opposition as candidate filing closed Wednesday, setting the stage for several contested Tulsa City Council races this summer.
TULSA – Only three Tulsa City Council incumbents will coast into the Aug. 25 municipal election without opposition after candidate filing closed Wednesday, setting up several contested races across the city.
According to the Tulsa World, District 4 Councilor Laura Bellis, District 6 Councilor Christian Bengel and District 8 Councilor Phil Lakin Jr. were the only council incumbents to emerge from the filing period unchallenged. City Auditor Nathan Pickard also filed without opposition.
Elsewhere, Tulsa voters will see competitive races throughout the city. District 1 Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper faces the largest field, with four challengers seeking the seat. District 3 Councilor Jackie Dutton and District 7 Councilor Lori Decter Wright both drew opponents on the final day of filing.
An open-seat contest is developing in District 9, where Councilor Carol Bush is not seeking re-election. Three candidates filed to succeed her.
Tulsa’s municipal elections are nonpartisan. Council members serve two-year terms, and the general election is scheduled for Aug. 25. Runoff elections, if needed, will be held Nov. 3.
Candidates who filed for Tulsa City Council include:
District 1: Vanessa Hall-Harper (incumbent), Mareo Johnson, Thomas William Moore, Reggie Williams and Corinice Wilson.
District 2: Anthony Archie (incumbent), Aaron Bisogno.
District 3: Jackie Dutton (incumbent), Tanisha Bowen.
District 4: Laura Bellis (incumbent).
District 5: Karen Gilbert (incumbent), Adam Burnett.
District 6: Christian Bengel (incumbent).
District 7: Lori Decter Wright (incumbent), Dave Perry and Kenny Wogoman.
District 8: Phil Lakin Jr. (incumbent).
District 9: Ben Johnson, Pete Regan and Shawn Tiemann.
City Auditor: Nathan Pickard (incumbent).
