OKLAHOMA CITY (Free Press) – OKC metro voters narrowed the field in Oklahoma County and the City of Oklahoma City Tuesday night. Some races are heading to the April runoff while a newcomer and an incumbent were chosen decisively by their voters.
Oklahoma County Commissioner, District 1 (Democratic primary)
House Representative and criminal defense attorney Jason Lowe led the race for District 1, Oklahoma County Commissioner gaining 40.3% of the vote, while former state senator Anastasia Pittman followed behind with 31.7%. According to the unofficial election results, Midwest City Councilwoman Sara Bana finished last with 27.6% of the vote.
According to his campaign website, Lowe’s top priority is ensuring that the new Oklahoma County Jail and mental health facility effectively serves the county’s most underserved communities. His other priorities include infrastructure, mental health, and economic growth.
District 1 covers much of central Oklahoma County, extending from Bethany to the county’s eastern boundary and spanning from N. 122nd Street down to S. 44th Street.
Lowe and the Independent candidate Jed Greed will compete in the April runoff.
Green, the only Independent candidate in the race, is the Director of Oklahoma for Responsible Cannabis Action (ORCA)
He does not appear to have an active campaign website or social media platform.
OKCPS Board Chair
Incumbent Paula Lewis secured a decisive victory, winning reelection to a third term as Chairwoman of the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education.
According to the unofficial election results, Lewis secured her seat with 53.5% of the total vote, defeating both Niah M. Springs, who received 29.7%, and Jan Barrick, who garnered 16.8%.
“I am honored to announce that I have been re-elected as Chairperson of the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board,” Lewis wrote on her Facebook Tuesday night. “This victory reflects our community’s commitment to advancing education and supporting our students. I am grateful for your trust and support, and I look forward to continuing our work to provide the best possible education for our children.
According to her campaign website, Lewis highlighted her accomplishments during her tenure while also focusing on key issues such as protecting public schools, advocating for mental wellness, and addressing chronic absenteeism within the district.
Lewis did not respond to interview requests in time for publication.
Oklahoma City Council – Ward 3
Voters in Ward 3 elected a new councilwoman after Katrina Badell Avers decisively defeated incumbent Barbara Peck, securing 74% of the vote while Peck finished with 26.1%.
According to her campaign website, Avers is an entrepreneur, Christian leader, and local rancher. She holds a PhD and a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Oklahoma, specializing in leadership, innovation, and human performance in aerospace.
“I am humbled, honored, and deeply grateful to the people of Southwest OKC. This victory is your victory, not just mine,” Avers said in a press release following her win. “You believed in what we could accomplish together and I’m proud to represent a community that has heart, resilience, and grit.”
Avers campaign focused on preserving public safety, expanding employment opportunities and wages, and improving public infrastructure.
According to the press release, Avers acknowledges the skepticism surrounding her chances of defeating the incumbent but notes that critics underestimated the strong support she built throughout her campaign.
“This win is a testament to the power of community. It’s proof that when we come together, we can accomplish anything,” Avers said. “I am so proud of what we’ve achieved and I know moving forward, we will continue to build a better future for Southwest Oklahoma City.”
Avers did not respond to interview request in time for publication.
Oklahoma City Council – Ward 7
The Ward 7 planning commissioner, Camel Pennington, and former Ward 7 Councilor John Pettis Jr. will compete in the April runoff for the seat. Pennington led the race with 45.5% of the vote and Pettis followed behind with 30.2%. Massood A. Haqq finished with 14.8% and Andrea Colman came last with 9.4%.
Pennington and Pettis will face off on April 11 to succeed longtime Councilwoman Nikki Nice as she transitions to the Oklahoma Senate. The seat is currently held on an interim basis by appointed former Councilman Lee Cooper.
Spanning a vast area, Ward 7 covers much of the city’s north, northeast, and historic Eastside, extending into the southeast near Nicoma Park and Del City.
Election results are still subject to changes and are not considered final until they’re certified by the appropriate election board. Unless a contest of election or a petition for recount has been filed, results will be certified by county election boards not earlier than 5 PM Friday, February 14th.
Brianna Garcia is a freelance journalist covering local politics and culture for Free Press. She has a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma.
