TULSA COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CANDIDATES

STEVE KUNZWEILER
Republican
Candidate site: https://www.stevek4da.com/
I have been a prosecutor taking dangerous criminals off the streets for 36+ years. My opponent has never been a prosecutor, never been a defense attorney, and has no jury trial experience.
I’m supported by Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Glenpool and Bixby fraternal orders of police because our local law enforcement trusts me to be their partner in public safety.
- Mental healthcare improvements for Tulsa County
- Partnering with law enforcement to remove illegal firearms out of the hands of criminals and juveniles
- Prosecuting fentanyl related crimes to remove fentanyl poisoning from Tulsa County.
Under my leadership, the Alternative Courts Program is the largest attorney group in the Tulsa County District Attorney’s office. There are violent criminals that need to be removed from the community. There are non-violent individuals who have challenges and need help. The largest team in my office is dedicated to identifying those people, and giving them an opportunity to receive help. Our Veterans Treatment Court team is nationally recognized as a training team for other jurisdictions across the country.
I support the Oklahoma Survivors Act (OSA). Prosecutors are here to be a voice for victims in the courtroom. As a Marsy’s Law state, I and all other prosecutors have the duty to be a voice for victims and protect their rights. The Oklahoma Survivors Act has a legal process that governs it. The petitioner for sentence modification under the OSA has a burden of proof to meet.
Prosecutors do not determine if that burden of proof is met. Only a judge determines that.
The Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office maintains a public website and issues a monthly newsletter called The DA Dashboard. Separately, representatives of the District Attorney’s Office engage in numerous public meetings every week where we answer questions. We invite members of the public to shadow our office and operations with our “Day with the DA” initiative.
Several laws related to the presumption of innocence, privacy, work products, victims, witnesses, and the preservation of evidence dictate how much and when we can speak publicly on a matter. We balance following those laws with the rights of the public to know what’s happening in public safety on a daily basis.
I recognize tribal governments as sovereign nations. I have no intention of infringing on their sovereignty in any way. Federal courts have already made clear decisions that govern when the state of Oklahoma shares concurrent jurisdiction with a tribal nation on prosecuting cases and when they do not. I will follow the law and prosecute cases accordingly.
Based upon some of the currently implemented local law enforcement initiatives remaining in place — the continued high solve rate of homicides and the continued decline in homicide rates is obviously a desire. Additionally, substantial improvements from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services which translate to better outcomes and swift justice for Tulsa County would be a success.

COLLEEN MCCARTY
Republican
Candidate site: https://mccartyforda.com/
I have a combination of prosecutor training, proven leadership in holding government accountable, and a clear-eyed commitment to public safety, victim-centered justice, and taxpayer stewardship without the baggage of the current office’s scandals, errors, and loss of trust.
My opponent has been in office for over a decade. During that time, we’ve seen undercharging of violent offenders, evidence hidden leading to massive taxpayer judgments and a toxic culture that’s driven talent out. I will bring professionalism, modern systems and real accountability.
I’ve worked in this very office and others, built a successful nonprofit watchdog, championed Republican-led reforms like the Survivors Act, and I’m a lifelong Tulsan, wife, and mom who treats public safety and tax dollars with the same care I give my own family.
- Public Safety First — focus on dangerous, repeat violent offenders with firm, swift prosecutions and tough sentences to keep our streets safe.
- Taxpayer Stewardship & Fiscal Responsibility — End costly mistakes, mismanagement, and multi-million-dollar judgments against taxpayers.
- 3. Victim-Centered Justice — Support crime victims, especially the most vulnerable (women, children, elderly). Improve services, transparency, and outcomes so victims feel heard and justice is delivered.
Alternatives like veterans’ court, mental health court, and drug court have a good, targeted role for low-level, non-violent offenders, especially for those with serious mental illness or addiction. These individuals broke the law and must repay their debt to society through restitution, community service, or structured treatment. We must never pretend the crime didn’t happen, and we must always protect public safety.
The Oklahoma Survivors Act is a strong, common-sense, Republican-led law that I helped build broad support for in the Oklahoma Legislature. It protects domestic violence survivors who were driven to act against their abusers after years of abuse. As DA, I will apply it fairly according to the statute and evidence, while always prioritizing public safety.
Prosecutors must evaluate each case on its merits while also respecting the law’s intent to bring justice to true survivors without compromising accountability for violent crime. I’ve represented survivors and fought for this law; I understand its importance and will implement it with integrity, unlike the current resistance we’ve seen.
Transparency will be foundational. I will implement data dashboards for the public, clear policies, digital systems, and regular communication about case outcomes. There will be no more secret waivers for victims or hidden evidence leading to multi-million dollar judgments. I’ll conduct a full assessment of the office, ensure ethical safeguards, and send only licensed, trained prosecutors to court. Victims and citizens will know their DA’s office operates with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
I am pro-sovereignty. We must honor tribal sovereignty as established through treaties, acts of Congress and judicial decisions. I will work collaboratively and respectfully with tribal authorities to ensure justice is served efficiently, without jurisdictional games that let criminals slip through cracks. Public safety demands strong coordination, not conflict.
Success would mean a safer Tulsa with fewer violent crimes, higher conviction rates for serious offenders, restored trust from victims and the public, zero major taxpayer judgments from office misconduct, modern professional operations with lower turnover, and a justice system that reflects conservative values of accountability, fiscal responsibility, and compassion for victims. Tulsa would be stronger, more secure and a model of effective, victim-centered prosecution.
