Tulsa City Council Incumbent Chris Trail Loses Bid To Retain Seat

Ashli Sims, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The final results haven't been tallied as of Tuesday night, but it looks like no matter what district 5 will have new representation.

Incumbent Chris Trail is coming in last place, with just 20 percent of the vote, and will likely not keep his seat.

Trail said he's disappointed in Tuesday's outcome. He believes voters painted him with the same brush as other councilors who've had a contentious relationship with the mayor, despite his record of working with Mayor Bartlett.

It looks like political newcomer, Karen Gilbert, could be stepping into his shoes. She's a Tulsa Public Schools employee and the president of the PTA council, who's advocated for a bullying policy at the district.

She was neck and neck with former city councilor and fellow challenger Sam Roop for most of the night. But Roop told his supporters Tuesday night, by his count Gilbert had won.

Gilbert says if that's true, she's ready to get to work.

Even if the final results put her in the council seat. There is some talk that Karen Gilbert might have a conflict with her job at TPS.

Some have raised concerns that she can't do both. Gilbert says she's addressed these issues and will be able to fulfill her council duties.