After representing Ward 7 on the Norman City Council for 11 years, Stephen Tyler Holman is stepping away from the post -- in order to challenge incumbent Mayor Larry Heikkila.
Holman has served on the dais alongside Heikkila since 2021, when Heikkila defeated then-incumbent Brea Clark. As Heikkila seeks reelection, the 2025 mayoral matchup will take place alongside Norman elections for the City Council's odd-numbered wards and a Norman Public Schools Board of Education seat. A referendum challenging a controversial tax increment financing district previously approved by the City Council is also expected, although a court challenge to its initiative petition is pending.
In a press release announcing his reelection bid, Heikkila listed supporting first responders by "restoring competitive wages, securing essential equipment, and enhancing mental health resources" among his achievements as mayor. If reelected, he said he would continue to prioritize first responders while reducing the city's involvement in caring for the homeless.
"Moving forward, we must champion bold policies that promote prosperity, public safety and quality of life, rather than stagnant policies that lead to decline and poverty," Heikkila said.
Holman listed "fostering sustainable economic development, addressing our housing shortage, enhancing public safety and protecting the city's natural resources for generations to come" among his goals in a press release announcing his filing Monday.
"As your next mayor, I will work tirelessly to ensure that Norman remains a place where families can thrive, businesses can grow and everyone feels they belong," Holman said.
In Ward 5, incumbent Councilman Michael Nash did not seek reelection. Instead, Trey Kirby was the only individual to file for the east-Norman ward, making him its next councilman by default. On his campaign website, Kirby pledges to "represent all property owners, support public safety and fight against eminent domain abuse." His website says his family has lived in Norman for generations, and his Facebook says he works at Kirby Land and Cattle.
Kirby's Facebook also features some of his political views. On it, he has criticized Heikkila for not shutting down Norman's homeless shelter. Regarding a proposed open primary system, he said, "California can keep this crap." He has also shared other accounts' posts, including criticism of a proposed turnpike that would run through Ward 5 and a request for Gov. Kevin Stitt to place a moratorium on solar and wind energy developments in Oklahoma.
Incumbents in Wards 1 and 3 face one challenger apiece. Ward 1 Councilman Austin Ball is being challenged by David Michael Jordan Gandesbery, and Ward 3 Councilwoman Bree Montoya is being challenged by Sandra Artman. Two candidates -- Kimberly Blodgett and Amanda Chaffin -- filed to take Holman's place in Ward 7.
The February election could also allow residents to weigh in on a controversial tax increment financing district the Norman City Council approved Sept. 18 by a vote of 5-4. The TIF district would finance the creation of a new multipurpose arena that would house the University of Oklahoma's basketball and gymnastics programs. As incentive for the arena's development, private developers plan to create a surrounding entertainment district featuring new retail, residential and office space, but the TIF district's financing -- up to $600 million in diverted tax dollars from money spent in the district over 25 years -- has sparked ire from many Norman residents.
This list of candidate filings, and filings for other offices statewide, is available via the Oklahoma State Election Board website. Links to campaign websites with more information on individual candidates are provided where available.