Oklahoma Elections: Key races to watch on Feb. 11

Voters across Oklahoma will head to the polls on Feb. 11 to decide several key municipal races, school board positions, and a major school bond proposal.

In Oklahoma County, voters will decide on OKC City Council races and a county commissioner seat.

Several cities, including Edmond, Norman, Bethany, and Warr Acres, will hold mayoral elections.

Voters can find their sample ballots and additional election information on the Oklahoma State Election Board website at oklahoma.gov/elections.

Norman Mayoral Race

Incumbent Mayor Larry Heikkila, who defeated former Mayor Breea Clark in 2021, is seeking reelection against two challengers: Ward 7 Councilman Stephen Tyler Holman and attorney Riley Mulinix.

1. Key Issues: Holman aims to build on Norman’s existing strengths while tackling its challenges. Heikkila has prioritized increasing compensation and funding for first responders.
2. Election Process: If no candidate secures a majority on Feb. 11, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff on April 1.

WATCH: Norman Mayoral Candidates debate

Edmond Mayoral Race

The Edmond mayoral race is the only contested city office this cycle, as Ward 3 and Ward 4 council seats were won unopposed.

Candidates:

1. Tom Robins: Former Ward 1 councilman who resigned to run for mayor.
2. David Hornbeek: Architect and early declarant in the race.
3. Mark Nash: Finance professional who entered in November.
4. Leonard Scott: U.S. Army veteran and frequent city government critic.

Key Issues:

1. Fiscal Responsibility: A failed bond package that sought to fund infrastructure and public safety projects has been a key topic.
2. City Charter Reform: A provision requiring property ownership to hold public office has drawn scrutiny, with outgoing Councilwoman Christin Mugg calling it unconstitutional.
3. Election Process: The primary election is Feb. 11. The general election will proceed on April 1, regardless of whether a candidate wins more than 50% in the primary.

Oklahoma City Public Schools Board Chair Race

Three candidates are vying for the position of Oklahoma City Public Schools board chair:

1. Paula Lewis: The incumbent, co-owner of Quest Pediatric Therapy, has held the seat since 2017.
2. Jan Barrick: Retired founder and former CEO of Alpha Plus Educational Systems.
3. Niah Spriggs: Educator and entrepreneur with degrees in business administration and urban education.

Oklahoma City Council Races

Ward 3:

Councilwoman Barbara Peck faces challenger Katrina Avers in a competitive battle for the south Oklahoma City seat.

Key Issues:

1. Public Safety: The Oklahoma City Police Department faces a staffing shortage of about 200 officers. Avers has emphasized hiring, while Peck says the city is constrained by budget limitations.
2. Housing and Homelessness: Both candidates support efforts to increase affordable housing stock but differ on execution strategies.
3. Infrastructure: Avers has criticized what she sees as inadequate funding for Ward 3, while Peck argues that the budgeting process ensures equitable distribution across the city.

Ward 7:

Following Nikki Nice’s move to the Oklahoma Senate, four candidates are competing to fill her former council seat:

1. Masood Haqq: Co-owner of Peace of Mind Pediatrics and Clara Community Health Center, emphasizing economic development and access to health care and housing
2. Andrea Holman: Community organizer and neighborhood president focused on preserving northeast Oklahoma City’s character.
3. Camal Pennington: Attorney and member of the Oklahoma City Planning Commission, with experience in city development. Wants to focus on the city learning how to address public safety concerns in the community.
4. John Pettis Jr.: Former Ward 7 councilman seeking a return to office. He resigned in 2018 after being charged with embezzlement and intentionally failing to pay tax returns. In his prior time in office, he focused on improving economic and workforce development.

Ward 7 covers much of northeast Oklahoma City, including Spencer and parts of Luther. The primary election is on Feb. 11, with a potential runoff on April 1.

Oklahoma County District 1

District 1 spans across central Oklahoma from Bethany to the eastern boundary of the county and North 122nd Street to South 44th Street.

1. Jason Lowe: House Rep. for District 97, since 2016. He is also a criminal defense attorney and founding member of The Lowe Law Firm. His top priority is the new Oklahoma County Jail and mental health facility serves Oklahoma County well.
2. Anastasia Pittman: A former state senator, legislator, and educator. Pittman has focused her campaign on jail reform, criminal justice accountability, infrastructure, economic growth, mental health, and public safety.
3. Sara Bana: Bana is a Midwest City Councilwoman who was first elected in 2022. She serves as the executive director of Civic Services Community Advocacy. Her top priorities are: eliminating government corruption, resolving the humanitarian and unconstitutional crisis at the Oklahoma County Jail, implementing evidence-based criminal justice reform, expanding mental health care, uplifting the middle class and promoting economic development, revitalizing county infrastructure,
4. Jed Green: An independent candidate and Director of Oklahoma for Responsible Cannabis Action.

Putnam City Schools Innovation Bond

A nearly $200 million school bond is on the ballot for voters in the Putnam City School district.

The “Innovation Bond” is a $198.75 million package that would be spent over five years.

Learn More: How do Oklahoma school bonds work? Behind the 60% supermajority vote

The bond would focus on four main pillars:

1. Prioritizing Safety
2. Modernizing Facilities
3. Enhancing Operations
4. Expanding Educational Opportunities

Previous Coverage: 4 things to know about Putnam City School's 2025 Innovation Bond

Election Day Details

1. Primary Election: Tuesday, Feb. 11
2. General Election: Tuesday, April 1 (for races requiring a runoff)