Colleen McCarty is the lone challenger to Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler in the June 16 Republican primary. With no Democrat, Libertarian or independent in the race, the winner will become Tulsa County’s next district attorney.
The DA is the top law enforcement official for the county, handling criminal cases. Here in Tulsa, the DA oversees a staff of more than 100 people, including lawyers who assist in criminal prosecution cases.
McCarty, executive director of Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, announced her run in late January. Her campaign is centered around her experience as a prosecutor and her work on criminal justice reform. She was also instrumental in passing the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act in 2024, which aims to lighten sentencing for survivors of domestic violence.
She has lived in District 14 — which covers Tulsa County — for more than three decades and has practiced law for six years, including a stint as an assistant DA in Tulsa County.
A long time resident of District 14, Kunzweiler was elected to the office in 2015. He is running on his proven leadership, prosecution record and 11 years in office. During his 28 years as a prosecutor, he says he has handled high-profile murder and police officer-involved shooting cases, supported the victim witness center and restructured his office to ensure the same attorney handles a case from start to finish.
You can find more information about the June 16 primary, including how to register to vote, in the Tulsa Flyer’s free voter guide.
Follow the money
According to first quarter financial statements, McCarty loaned $100,000 to her campaign and raised $58,511 from individuals. She has spent $124,316, leaving her with $34,195 in cash on hand.
After transferring $5,997 from surplus and accounting for $37,000 in prior debt, Kunzweiler ended the quarter with $22,837, including $2,500 in political action committee contributions and $47,055 from individuals.
We sent a survey to each candidate to weigh in on top issues ahead of Election Day. Their responses have been edited for length and clarity.
What distinguishes you most from your opponent?
McCarty: My balanced perspective and commitment to fairness, accountability and public safety. I have experience on both sides of the courtroom, which gives me a deeper understanding of how decisions made by the DA’s office affect everyone involved — victims, law enforcement, defendants and the community.
Kunzweiler: My experience, proven record and commitment to public safety distinguish me from my opponent. I have spent my career prosecuting dangerous criminals, supporting victims and working closely with law enforcement to keep Tulsa County safe.
Why should voters trust you?
McCarty: I believe justice is about more than convictions. It’s about making our communities safer, treating people fairly and using taxpayer resources responsibly. I will focus on prosecuting dangerous offenders while also supporting smart approaches that reduce repeat crime and strengthen trust in the justice system.
Kunzweiler: I have demonstrated leadership during difficult challenges, implemented programs that improve public safety and maintained a strong commitment to justice and accountability.
Top three priorities
McCarty:
- Reduce violent crime by focusing resources on dangerous, repeat offenders.
- Improve transparency and accountability within the DA’s office.
- Expand access to diversion, treatment and rehabilitation programs that reduce recidivism and improve public safety.
Kunzweiler:
- Continue reducing violent crime.
- Support victims of crime and improve public safety.
- Maintain effective prosecution strategies while expanding successful rehabilitation and diversion programs.
What role should alternatives to incarceration play in Tulsa County?
McCarty: Alternatives to incarceration should play an important role, especially for nonviolent offenders dealing with substance abuse, mental health challenges or poverty-related issues. Programs like drug court, veterans court and mental health court can reduce repeat offenses, save taxpayer money and help people become productive members of society.
Kunzweiler: Alternatives to incarceration are valuable tools when used appropriately. Diversion programs, drug court and mental health initiatives can help reduce recidivism and provide accountability while addressing underlying issues. However, violent offenders must remain the priority for incarceration and prosecution.
How should taxpayer resources be prioritized within the criminal justice system?
McCarty: They should be prioritized toward violent crime prosecution, victim services and evidence-based rehabilitation programs that have been proven to reduce recidivism. We should invest in strategies that improve long-term public safety rather than relying solely on incarceration.
Kunzweiler: Taxpayer resources should focus on protecting public safety, supporting victims and funding programs with demonstrated success.
The Oklahoma Survivors’ Act has become a major issue in this race. How do you envision this law when it comes to prosecutions?
McCarty: The Oklahoma Survivors’ Act is an important law that recognizes the impact trauma and abuse can have on survivors who become involved in the criminal justice system. I believe prosecutors should apply the law fairly and thoughtfully, ensuring survivors have the opportunity to present evidence about abuse that may have contributed to their actions.
This law does not excuse criminal behavior, but it allows courts to consider the full context of a survivor’s experience when determining justice. I support a trauma-informed approach that balances accountability with compassion and fairness.
Kunzweiler: The Oklahoma Survivors’ Act must be applied carefully and consistently with the law. Prosecutors have a duty to consider all evidence, including claims related to abuse and trauma, while also ensuring accountability and public safety.
Each case must be evaluated individually based on the facts, evidence and the interests of justice.
What steps would you take to improve trust and transparency between the DA’s office and the public?
McCarty: Increase communication with the public, provide clearer explanations of prosecutorial decisions and make data about the office’s work more accessible.
I also believe the DA’s office should engage more directly with community groups, victims’ advocates and neighborhood organizations. Building trust requires openness, consistency and accountability.
Kunzweiler: My office has worked to maintain professionalism, ethical prosecution standards and communication with the public. I believe transparency is important, but it must be balanced with protecting victims, witnesses and the integrity of investigations.
We will continue community outreach efforts and provide information about the work being done to keep Tulsa County safe.
What is your approach to handling cases that involve tribal jurisdiction?
McCarty: I believe tribal sovereignty must be respected, and cooperation between tribal, state and federal authorities is essential to public safety. I would work collaboratively with tribal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to ensure cases are handled efficiently and victims are protected.
My approach would focus on communication, professionalism and respect for the law while minimizing confusion and delays that can harm victims and communities.
Kunzweiler: I recognize tribal governments as sovereign nations and believe coordination between tribal, federal and state agencies is essential.
My office has extensive experience working through the challenges created by jurisdictional changes following McGirt. We remain committed to protecting victims and ensuring cases are prosecuted appropriately regardless of jurisdiction.
Editor’s note: The McGirt case, decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2020, ruled the state doesn’t have criminal jurisdiction over crimes committed by Native Americans within the borders of their reservations.
What would success look like for the Tulsa County DA’s office at the end of your term?
McCarty: Tulsa County is safer, violent crime is reduced and the public has greater confidence in the fairness and integrity of the justice system.
It would also mean fewer people cycling repeatedly through the system because we invested in effective prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts. I want the DA’s office to be known for professionalism, accountability and balanced justice.
Kunzweiler: Continued reductions in violent crime, strong support for victims and a justice system that operates efficiently and fairly.
It would also mean maintaining public confidence in the DA’s office while continuing to implement programs that reduce recidivism and improve community safety.
Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to show Colleen McCarty has practiced law for six years.
