With the August election looming, the race for Tulsa’s District 1 council seat is heating up. As of early June, three candidates are vying to unseat Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper, who has held the seat since 2016.
The district covers a large swath of north Tulsa. The filing period for council candidates is June 8-10, with Election Day set for Aug. 25. You can confirm which district you live in by using the city’s Council District Finder Map.
So far, Mareo Johnson, Corinice Wilson and Reggie Williams Jr. have announced their intentions to challenge Hall-Harper.
We reached out to each challenger to ask them more about their plans for the district and some of their priorities. Their responses are below and have been lightly edited.
Why are you running for office?
Johnson: Because of the passion that I have to see improvement and change for the betterment of District 1.
Wilson: To bring the C3 Movement to City Hall: community, collaboration and change. District 1 deserves a councilor who will stay focused on what matters most: children and families, safe and stable homes and neighborhoods treated with respect. This campaign is about doing the job, solving problems, and making sure District 1 gets real attention and real results.
Williams did not provide a complete answer to this question.
What are your top three priorities for the district?
Johnson: Public safety, youth development, economic development.
Wilson:
1) Strengthen support for children & families. Kids do better when families have support, safe places, and real opportunity. I will fight for:
- More outreach so families know about free Pre-K and youth opportunities
- Stronger support for after-school, summer, and recreation programs
- Better coordination between the city, schools, and neighborhood groups
- City investments that actually reach District 1 families
2) Safe, stable homes and real help with repairs (For the elderly, disabled, and long-term residents on a fixed income). For many families, home repair is a safety and budget issue. I will fight for:
- Clearer information about home repair programs and who qualifies
- Better outreach to seniors, working families, and longtime homeowners
- Faster communication about waitlist, timelines, and available funding
- Stronger partnerships to help more residents stay safe in their homes
3) Cleaner, safer blocks and responsive city service. Residents should not have to chase City Hall for the basics. I will fight for:
- Faster action on dangerous and neglected properties
- Better follow-up when residents report neighborhood problems
- Stronger accountability from 311 and city departments
- A block-by-block focus on cleaner, safer neighborhood conditions
Williams: Safer and brighter lit neighborhoods, opportunities for youth and small business owners, community voice.
What community organizations are you involved with?
Johnson: City of Tulsa’s Sales Tax Overview Committee, North Tulsa Health Department Community Advisory Board, United Nations Association of Eastern Oklahoma, Tulsa Branch NAACP, Black Lives Matter Tulsa Chapter, McLain High School Foundation, Oklahoma NAACP State Conference, 100 Black Men (will be more involved).
Wilson: Community organizations I have been involved with:
- Member of The Oklahoma Statewide Gang Steering Committee and board member of OCCJ
- Co-lead of the Tulsa Gang Coordinating Committee
- Former member of Tulsa Dropout Prevention Initiative
- Worked with the Reed Foundation-Strategic Planning and Aim High Gymnastic-Strategic Planning
- Former board member of KIPP, Youth Services of Tulsa Board, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Rogers County, Family and Children’s Institutional Review Board, Rogers County Youth’s Services and Teach Not Punish (TNP)
- Former Co-chair of North Tulsa Coordinating Committee and Westside Coalition for Youth
- Former Board of Trustees of League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Tulsa
- Tulsa City Commissioner: Beyond Apology Commission
- John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation
Williams: 100 Black Men, NTEDI and Covenant Family Church Men’s Choir.
How long have you lived in the district?
Johnson: Off and on all of my life. I was born in District 1 but consistently for almost 17 years.
Wilson: I have lived in District 1 for 50 years (three years I lived in south Tulsa).
Williams: 42 years.
What do you see as positives about the district?
Johnson: The work of the Northside Neighbors group, the Kirkpatrick Heights/Greenwood Master Plan, Crossover Community Impact, John 3:16 Missions, Greenwood Rising History Center, Greenwood Cultural Center to name a few.
Wilson: I have long considered north Tulsa as the “Soul of the City,” and District 1 continues to reflect that identity through the strength, resilience and determination of its people.
One of the greatest assets of District 1 is the enduring spirit of its residents, everyday individuals and families who care deeply about their community and want what all neighborhoods deserve: safe homes, stable streets, and opportunities for children and families to thrive.
That commitment to community well-being is a powerful foundation for growth and progress. At the same time, it is important to recognize the positive momentum taking place across District 1, including recent residential development, the arrival of new restaurants, and the construction of the new Rudisill Library.
These investments matter, but what makes District 1 truly special is the people themselves, the residents whose pride, perseverance, and hope continue to shape north Tulsa’s future.
Williams: District 1 is full of strong people, rich history, and untapped potential. I believe our community already has the heart, culture and talent needed to build a stronger future together.
What are the places you believe define north Tulsa?
Johnson: Shoppes on Peoria, Greenwood (Black Wall Street), John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, Oklahoma Style Bar-B-Que, Janet’s.
Wilson: North Tulsa is defined not only by its landmarks, but by the people, and traditions rooted in them. It is reflected in the faith communities that have long anchored the neighborhood, Metropolitan Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of North Tulsa, Mt. Zion, Vernon AME, New Jerusalem, Antioch Baptist Church, and so many others.
It lives in the beloved local restaurants and gathering places that have brought people together across generations, including Janet’s, Mack’s Wings, Sweet Lisa’s, The Freeze, Gibbs Candy Store and Shopping Center, The Burger, and now newer favorites like C’est Bon.
It can be felt in treasured community spaces such as Chamberlain, Berry, Lincoln/Lacy, Ben Hill, and Owen parks, the Hutchinson “Y” (where I met my husband, at a school dance) and in the schools that have helped shape so many lives, including Greeley, Gilcrease/Monroe Middle School, and McLain High School.
Together, these places tell the story of North Tulsa’s strength, pride, and enduring sense of community.
Williams: Oklahoma Style Bar-B-Que, Covenant Family Church, Carver Middle School, Sweet Lisa’s.
Where is your favorite place to eat in Tulsa?
Johnson: Janet’s and Oklahoma Style Bar-B-Que.
Wilson: My favorite places to eat in Tulsa: Janet’s, Mack’s Wings, Sweet Lisa and Charlestons.
Williams: C’est Bon and Taylor Made Turkey Legs.
See more of our elections coverage and voting guide here. We will have more coverage ahead of the Aug. 25 elections.
