Hall-Harper, Wilson and Williams make their case to District 1 voters before Election Day

TULSA, Okla. — Early voting began Thursday in Tulsa City Council District 1, sending five candidates into the final days of a closely watched race to represent North Tulsa.

Incumbent Vanessa Hall-Harper faces four challengers: Dr. Corinice Wilson, Reggie Williams Jr., Mareo Johnson and Thomas William Moore. No public polling has established a clear leader in the race. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote on Tuesday, the top two finishers will advance to a Nov. 3 runoff.

The Black Wall Street Times asked all five candidates how they feel about entering early voting, what they are hearing from residents and what they want undecided voters to know.

Hall-Harper, Wilson and Williams responded. Johnson and Moore had not submitted responses by publication time.

Hall-Harper points to nearly a decade in office

Hall-Harper said she feels “grateful, energized and focused” as she seeks another term representing District 1.

“Campaigns can get noisy, but at the end of the day, this is about the people of District 1 and their right to choose who they believe will best represent them,” Hall-Harper said.

The incumbent made her record the centerpiece of her closing argument. She highlighted Oasis Fresh Market, the Healthy Neighborhoods Overlay, Greenwood Entrepreneurship at Moton and efforts related to housing, homeownership, expungements and small-business opportunities.

“I stand ten toes down on my record,” Hall-Harper said. She added, “I can tell you what I’ve done, what we’ve accomplished together, where we still have work to do, and what I intend to do next.”

Hall-Harper said residents continue to raise concerns about housing, infrastructure, public safety, economic development and opportunities for young people. They also want longtime residents to benefit from investments entering North Tulsa, she said.

She argued that her experience is especially important as city leaders make decisions about land, housing, development and investment that could shape North Tulsa for generations. Hall-Harper said she understands how city government operates, how to build coalitions and when to challenge systems that are not serving District 1 residents.

For undecided voters, Hall-Harper urged them to consider whether the district has moved forward during her time in office and whether she has consistently shown up for the community.

“You don’t have to agree with me on everything,” she said. “You don’t even have to like every way I’ve approached every issue.”

Ultimately, Hall-Harper said voters should examine which candidates have remained present, implemented their ideas and produced tangible results. 

“People can debate my personality. They can debate my approach,” she said. “But they cannot erase my record.”

Wilson emphasizes lifelong ties to District 1

Wilson said she enters early voting feeling “grateful, encouraged and ready,” arguing that her experience managing people, public resources and community partnerships has prepared her to lead District 1.

According to her campaign, Wilson has managed millions of dollars in federal grants and supervised more than 90 employees. She also co-led the Tulsa Gang Coordinating Committee and served on the city’s Beyond the Apology Commission. Her board service includes Youth Services of Tulsa, Big Brothers Big Sisters, KIPP-Tulsa, the League of Women Voters, Teach Not Punish and the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice. 

Wilson said the campaign has reinforced her belief that District 1 residents are ready to help shape the community’s direction.

“We care deeply, we have strong ideas, and we are willing to work together,” Wilson said. She added, “With a new vision for leadership, I believe we can shift the energy and direction of District 1 and build upon the work already happening throughout our community.”

Campaign-finance reports show Wilson has raised more money than any other candidate in the race. Wilson expressed gratitude for the financial support but said fundraising alone does not measure the campaign’s momentum.

“I see it in the neighbors who stop to talk with us, the volunteers making calls and walking neighborhoods, and the residents sharing our message with their families and friends,” she said.

Wilson’s closing argument focuses on converting community ideas into city action. Her priorities include helping families retain and improve their homes, expanding school-to-career programs, strengthening neighborhood safety and making District 1 investments more transparent.

“My job will be to listen, connect people and resources, remove barriers, and use the position to help good ideas become lasting results,” Wilson said.

Williams asks voters not to overlook his campaign

Williams said he feels grateful for the conversations his campaign has allowed him to have throughout the district.

“I’ve listened to concerns, heard great ideas, and learned even more about the community I’ve called home my entire life,” Williams said. “At this point, I’m focused on finishing the journey with the same energy, integrity and respect that I started with.”

Williams said voters have discussed safer neighborhoods, housing, streets, parks, economic development and opportunities for young people. He also said residents want more consistent information about developments in their community. 

For undecided voters, Williams emphasized his lifelong connection to District 1.

“I was raised here, I’m raising my family here, and much of my professional and community service has involved working with our youth and families,” he said.

Williams said participation, rather than campaign attention or online activity, will determine the outcome.

“Regardless of who someone supports, I hope District 1 residents take the time to learn about the candidates, understand the issues and participate in the process,” he said.

Candidates call for respect after a divided race

All three candidates who responded acknowledged the passion and division surrounding the election. Each urged supporters to treat their neighbors respectfully once the votes are counted.

Hall-Harper said political disagreement should not cause residents to “forget somebody’s humanity.” Wilson asked her supporters to “lead with grace.” Williams said a vote should not destroy a friendship, family relationship or neighborhood connection.

“We have to remember that after an election, we’re still neighbors,” Williams said.

Wilson similarly noted that residents will continue sharing the same streets, schools, churches and businesses after Election Day.

Hall-Harper said unity should not require residents to ignore harm or avoid difficult conversations.

“There may need to be some honest conversations, accountability, grace and healing,” Hall-Harper said. Later, she added, “We can disagree politically without destroying one another personally.”

Where Tulsa County voters can vote early

Any eligible Tulsa County voter may cast an early ballot at either of the county’s two early-voting locations:

• Tulsa County Election Board: 12000 E. Skelly Drive, Tulsa, OK 74128, near 11th Street and Garnett Road
• Tulsa Technology Center, Broken Arrow campus: 4000 W. Florence St., Broken Arrow, OK 74011

Early-voting hours are:

• Thursday, Aug. 20: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 21: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 22: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tulsa County does not have an early-voting location in North Tulsa for this election. County officials have announced plans for another northern Tulsa County location beginning with the November election.

Election Day voting information

Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 25. Polls will remain open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters must cast their Election Day ballot at their assigned precinct. They can confirm their polling location and view a sample ballot through the OK Voter Portal.

Voters may present a voter identification card or an accepted photo ID issued by the federal government, Oklahoma or a federally recognized tribal government.

The District 1 City Council race is nonpartisan. All District 1 voters may participate regardless of political affiliation.