Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to fix numerous errors. A previous version of this article did not meet our editorial standards or internal policy. Survey responses were put into AI, which then generated false answers to the questions or added information that candidates did not provide.
Instead of deleting the story, we have rewritten it to accurately reflect the answers given by Colleen McCarty and Steve Kunzweiler. We sincerely apologize and regret this mistake.
Colleen McCarty is the lone challenger to Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler in the June 16 Republican primary. With no Democrat, Libertarian or independent in the race, the winner will become Tulsa County’s next district attorney.
The DA is the top law enforcement official for the county, handling criminal cases. Here in Tulsa, the office oversees a staff of more than 100 people, including lawyers who assist in criminal prosecution cases.
McCarty, who most recently served as the executive director of Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, announced her run in late January. Her campaign is centered around her experience as a prosecutor and her work on criminal justice reform.
A graduate of The University of Tulsa’s law school, she was instrumental in passing the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act in 2024, which aims to lighten sentencing for survivors of domestic violence.
Kunzweiler was elected Tulsa County DA in 2015. He is running on his proven leadership, prosecution record and his 11 years in office. He has more than three decades of experience working as a prosecutor in Oklahoma.
You can find more information about the June 16 primary, including how to register to vote, in the Tulsa Flyer and Oklahoma Eagle’s free voter guide.
We sent a survey to each candidate to weigh in on top issues ahead of Election Day. Their responses have been edited for length and clarity.
What distinguishes you from your opponent?
Kunzweiler: I have been a prosecutor taking dangerous criminals off the streets for 36+ years. My opponent has never been a prosecutor, never been a defense attorney, and has no jury trial experience.
McCarty: I have a combination of prosecutor training, proven leadership in holding government accountable, and a clear-eyed commitment to public safety, victim-centered justice, and taxpayer stewardship without the baggage of the current office’s scandals, errors, and loss of trust.
My opponent has been in office for over a decade. During that time, we’ve seen undercharging of violent offenders, evidence hidden leading to massive taxpayer judgments and a toxic culture that’s driven talent out. I will bring professionalism, modern systems and real accountability.
Why should voters trust you?
Kunzweiler: I’m supported by Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Glenpool and Bixby fraternal orders of police because our local law enforcement trusts me to be their partner in public safety.
McCarty: I’ve worked in this very office and others, built a successful nonprofit watchdog, championed Republican-led reforms like the Survivors Act, and I’m a lifelong Tulsan, wife, and mom who treats public safety and tax dollars with the same care I give my own family.
Top three priorities
Kunzweiler:
1. Mental healthcare improvements for Tulsa County
2. Partnering with law enforcement to remove illegal firearms out of the hands of criminals and juveniles
3. Prosecuting fentanyl related crimes to remove fentanyl poisoning from Tulsa County.
McCarty:
1. Public Safety First — focus on dangerous, repeat violent offenders with firm, swift prosecutions and tough sentences to keep our streets safe.
2. Taxpayer Stewardship & Fiscal Responsibility — End costly mistakes, mismanagement, and multi-million-dollar judgments against taxpayers.
3. Victim-Centered Justice — Support crime victims, especially the most vulnerable (women, children, elderly). Improve services, transparency, and outcomes so victims feel heard and justice is delivered.
What role should alternatives to incarceration play in Tulsa County?
Kunzweiler: Under my leadership, the Alternative Courts Program is the largest attorney group in the Tulsa County District Attorney’s office. There are violent criminals that need to be removed from the community. There are non-violent individuals who have challenges and need help. The largest team in my office is dedicated to identifying those people, and giving them an opportunity to receive help. Our Veterans Treatment Court team is nationally recognized as a training team for other jurisdictions across the country.
McCarty: Alternatives like veterans’ court, mental health court, and drug court have a good, targeted role for low-level, non-violent offenders, especially for those with serious mental illness or addiction. These individuals broke the law and must repay their debt to society through restitution, community service, or structured treatment. We must never pretend the crime didn’t happen, and we must always protect public safety.
The Oklahoma Survivors’ Act has become a major issue in this race. How do you envision this law when it comes to prosecutions?
Kunzweiler: I support the Oklahoma Survivors Act (OSA). Prosecutors are here to be a voice for victims in the courtroom. As a Marsy’s Law state, I and all other prosecutors have the duty to be a voice for victims and protect their rights. The Oklahoma Survivors Act has a legal process that governs it. The petitioner for sentence modification under the OSA has a burden of proof to meet.
Prosecutors do not determine if that burden of proof is met. Only a judge determines that.
McCarty: The Oklahoma Survivors Act is a strong, common-sense, Republican-led law that I helped build broad support for in the Oklahoma Legislature. It protects domestic violence survivors who were driven to act against their abusers after years of abuse. As DA, I will apply it fairly according to the statute and evidence, while always prioritizing public safety.
Prosecutors must evaluate each case on its merits while also respecting the law’s intent to bring justice to true survivors without compromising accountability for violent crime. I’ve represented survivors and fought for this law; I understand its importance and will implement it with integrity, unlike the current resistance we’ve seen.
What steps would you take to improve trust and transparency between the DA’s office and the public?
Kunzweiler: The Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office maintains a public website and issues a monthly newsletter called The DA Dashboard. Separately, representatives of the District Attorney’s Office engage in numerous public meetings every week where we answer questions. We invite members of the public to shadow our office and operations with our “Day with the DA” initiative.
Several laws related to the presumption of innocence, privacy, work products, victims, witnesses, and the preservation of evidence dictate how much and when we can speak publicly on a matter. We balance following those laws with the rights of the public to know what’s happening in public safety on a daily basis.
McCarty: Transparency will be foundational. I will implement data dashboards for the public, clear policies, digital systems, and regular communication about case outcomes. There will be no more secret waivers for victims or hidden evidence leading to multi-million dollar judgments. I’ll conduct a full assessment of the office, ensure ethical safeguards, and send only licensed, trained prosecutors to court. Victims and citizens will know their DA’s office operates with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
What is your approach to handling cases that involve tribal jurisdiction?
Kunzweiler: I recognize tribal governments as sovereign nations. I have no intention of infringing on their sovereignty in any way. Federal courts have already made clear decisions that govern when the state of Oklahoma shares concurrent jurisdiction with a tribal nation on prosecuting cases and when they do not. I will follow the law and prosecute cases accordingly.
McCarty: I am pro-sovereignty. We must honor tribal sovereignty as established through treaties, acts of Congress and judicial decisions. I will work collaboratively and respectfully with tribal authorities to ensure justice is served efficiently, without jurisdictional games that let criminals slip through cracks. Public safety demands strong coordination, not conflict.
What would success look like for the Tulsa County DA’s office at the end of your term?
Kunzweiler: Based upon some of the currently implemented local law enforcement initiatives remaining in place — the continued high solve rate of homicides and the continued decline in homicide rates is obviously a desire. Additionally, substantial improvements from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services which translate to better outcomes and swift justice for Tulsa County would be a success.
McCarty: Success would mean a safer Tulsa with fewer violent crimes, higher conviction rates for serious offenders, restored trust from victims and the public, zero major taxpayer judgments from office misconduct, modern professional operations with lower turnover, and a justice system that reflects conservative values of accountability, fiscal responsibility, and compassion for victims. Tulsa would be stronger, more secure and a model of effective, victim-centered prosecution.
