Who's running in Oklahoma City Council elections? Check OKC ward map, where to vote and more

Oklahoman
·2 min read

Four Oklahoma City council seats are on the ballot this February in an election where representatives will be chosen for about half of the city's residents.

A total of 12 candidates will be vying to represent the four wards, each with their own ideas about improving Oklahoma City governance. Common issues brought up in the campaigns include policing, public transportation, homelessness, economic growth and infrastructure repairs.

City council members serve four-year terms and are elected in odd-numbered years. Councilors receive a $12,000 annual salary and often serve on other city commissions and boards in addition to their service at city council meetings.

City council duties include approving the city budget, setting policy and levying taxes, such as those that have funded Metropolitan Area Projects since the 1990s and paid for past and upcoming projects like the Bricktown Canal, Paycom Center, Scissortail Park, a Fairgrounds Coliseum and multipurpose stadium.

In the last decade, city council elections have drawn between 1,000 and 5,000 voters per ward.

What ward do I live in?

Who's running for Oklahoma City council?

Four of the city's eight seats will be on the ballot this month.

Two of the city council's youngest and most progressive members — James Cooper and JoBeth Hamon — are up for reelection this year after each serving one term, while a seat held for nearly 12 years in southwest Ward 5 is up for grabs. Mark Stonecipher, who represents much of northwest Oklahoma City in Ward 8, is running for his third term in office.

Oklahoma City ward 2

Ward 2 Oklahoma City Council candidates James Cooper and Weston Storey, from left.
Ward 2 Oklahoma City Council candidates James Cooper and Weston Storey, from left.

Meet the candidates:Not sure if you live in OKC's Ward 2? Check here and meet your city council election candidates

Oklahoma City ward 5

Ward 5 Oklahoma City Council candidates, top from left, Jeff Owen and Thuan Nguyen, bottom from left, Audra Beasley and Matt Hinkle.
Ward 5 Oklahoma City Council candidates, top from left, Jeff Owen and Thuan Nguyen, bottom from left, Audra Beasley and Matt Hinkle.

Meet the candidates: Not sure if you live in OKC's Ward 5? Check here and meet your city council election candidates

Oklahoma City ward 6

Ward 6 Oklahoma City Council candidates JoBeth Hamon and Marek Cornett, from left.
Ward 6 Oklahoma City Council candidates JoBeth Hamon and Marek Cornett, from left.

Meet the candidates: Not sure if you live in OKC's Ward 6? Check here and meet your city council election candidates

Oklahoma City ward 8

Ward 8 Oklahoma City Council candidates, Mark Stonecipher, Frank Urbanic and Amy Warne, from left.
Ward 8 Oklahoma City Council candidates, Mark Stonecipher, Frank Urbanic and Amy Warne, from left.

Meet the candidates:Not sure if you live in OKC's Ward 8? Check here and meet your city council candidates

Oklahoma County Clerk election

In a crowded race to become the next Oklahoma County clerk, two candidates have picked up endorsements from party leaders.

U.S. Sens. James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin have endorsed Republican Maressa Treat in the race to fill the vacant position. Meanwhile, former state Rep. Al Lindley has endorsed Tom Guild to fill the unexpired term of David Hooten, who resigned in June.

Each party's run-off free primary will be held Feb. 14, choosing nominees for the April 4 election.

The latest in the race: OK County clerk candidates make appeals, receive endorsements as special election nears

Democratic candidates

  • Sean Cummings

  • Tiffany Ellis

  • Tom Guild

  • B.C. Phillips

  • Derrick Scobey

Republican candidates 

  • Gloria Banister

  • Jonathan Clour

  • Maressa Treat

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma City Council Elections 2023: who's running, where to vote