Oklahoma Representative Monroe Nichols has been elected as the first Black mayor of Tulsa.
Nichols’ win is impactful for the city, as it is known for its painful legacy of racial strife, including the infamous 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre that decimated Black Wall Street.
Nichols, who has served as the State Representative for House District 72—covering Tulsa, Turley, and Owasso—since 2016, was victorious after a heated race against county commissioner and former news anchor Karen Keith. Nichols secured 55.54% of the vote, with Keith garnering 44.46%, according to unofficial results showing 95% of precincts reporting.
The journey to this victory was far from easy. The August primary election resulted in an intense standoff, with Nichols and Keith nearly tied, each garnering about 33% of the vote. The close margin pushed the race to a runoff.
Nichols’ acceptance speech resonated with historical and emotional weight. Standing before images of Black Wall Street, he underscored Tulsa’s progress while acknowledging the work ahead. “This victory is not just mine; it belongs to every Tulsan who believes in a better tomorrow, a more united and equitable city,” Nichols stated.
Nichols brings a wealth of experience to the mayoral office, having worked as an aide to former Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor and as chief of staff to former OU-Tulsa President Gerry Clancy. His background also includes roles in economic development at the Oklahoma State Department of Career and Technology Education and the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he directed business retention and expansion programs.
The new mayor’s platform prioritizes pressing issues like tackling homelessness, bolstering the education system, expanding Tulsa’s economy and enhancing public safety.
In 2016, Nichols made history as the first African American elected to represent House District 72 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. As chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, he has been a vocal advocate for policies that uplift marginalized communities, making his mayoral victory a natural extension of his commitment to public service.
