As Tulsa grows, so has the need for new and long-time residents to know where to turn to for assistance. We compiled a list of local and state leaders representing east Tulsa who can connect you to resources and hear your views on everything from potholes to state legislation.
Tulsa City Councilors
Tulsa City Council operates as the legislative body of the city government, with nine city councilors overseeing different districts in Tulsa. Councilors are responsible for passing local ordinances and approving the city budget.
The nonpartisan positions are part-time. Councilors may hold full-time jobs outside of their government responsibilities.
Christian Bengel, District 6
Bengel represents the majority of east Tulsa. He served as a Tulsa County reserve sheriff’s deputy from 1999 to 2016. Bengel has advocated for keeping open prayers at City Council meetings, citing the First Amendment, and improving code enforcement in east Tulsa.
You can reach his office at 918-596-1926, via email at Dist6@tulsacouncil.org or sign up for the District 6 contact list online.
Karen Gilbert, District 5
Gilbert, the council’s vice chair, represents the northwest part of east Tulsa located off Interstate 69 and Interstate 44. She is also the executive director of the Tulsa Crime Prevention Network.
Gilbert recently authored an ordinance restricting panhandling at intersections and medians and was also involved in passing a downtown youth curfew this summer.
You can reach her office at 918-596-1925, by email at Dist5@tulsacouncil.org or sign up for the District 5 contact list online.
Jackie Dutton, District 3
Part of Dutton’s representation includes a small part of east Tulsa off Route 66. Before joining the council, she spent 20 years as a small business owner in the area.
Dutton has advocated for Tulsa to be a pedestrian-friendly city and was the sole councilor who voted no against passing a downtown youth curfew over the summer.
You can reach her office at 918-596-1923, via email at Dist3@tulsacouncil.org or sign up for District 3’s newsletter online.
Tulsa Board of County Commissioners
Three elected officials oversee Tulsa County’s administration, including county programs and facilities — like courthouses, the county jail and the juvenile detention home — as well as maintenance of the county highway system. They also prepare budgets, award contracts and call for bond elections.
Stan Sallee
Sallee, a Republican, has represented District 1, including east Tulsa, on the Tulsa Board of County Commissioners since November 2018. He was previously mayor of Collinsville, where he was also the city’s economic development director. His priorities have included public safety, repairing roads and bridges and promoting economic development. You can reach his office at 918-596-5020.
State senators
There are 48 senators in Oklahoma who are responsible for adopting the state’s budget every year, along with passing laws and delivering services to their constituents.
Sen. Dana Prieto
Prieto, R-Tulsa, joined the Senate in late 2022. Originally from New York, he moved to Broken Arrow to attend Rhema Bible Training College.
Prieto has advocated for creating a President Trump Day in Oklahoma and changing how the state determines custody cases in family court. You can reach his office at (405) 521-5566.
State House of Representatives
The Oklahoma House of Representatives has 101 members who are responsible for passing bills and providing legislative oversight of state agencies.
Rep. Ross Ford
Ford, R-Broken Arrow, has served in the House since 2017. Ford, a former Tulsa Police officer, has advocated against the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety’s decision to remove law enforcement coverage on interstate and highways in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. You can reach his office at (405) 557-7347.
Rep. Meloyde Blancett
Blancett, D-Tulsa, was elected to represent parts of east Tulsa in 2016. She has advocated for transparency from facilities providing Alzheimer’s care. Last year, along with other representatives, she said the Oklahoma State Department of Education needed to establish more effective management. You can reach her office at (405) 557-7334.
Rep. Derrick Hildebrant
Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, was elected to the House in 2024. He advocates for tax policy revisions, developing infrastructure and strengthening families. He has authored bills such as The Protect Our Kids Act, which changed how school districts handle teacher misconduct. You can reach his office at (405) 557-7379.
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This article was produced as part of a partnership between the Tulsa Flyer and La Semana, a Tulsa-based bilingual Spanish-English newspaper serving Latino communities in Oklahoma.
News decisions at the Tulsa Flyer are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
