David Holt (politician)

Holt was born and raised in northwest Oklahoma City, with family roots in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma. He is Osage through his mother, Mary Ann Fuller Holt, who inspired him to public service.[http://www.osagenews.org/article/osage-oklahoma-city-elected-state-senator-district-30 Benny Polacca, "Osage in Oklahoma City elected State Senator of District 30"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426035329/http://www.osagenews.org/article/osage-oklahoma-city-elected-state-senator-district-30 |date=April 26, 2012 }}, Osage News, August 27, 2010 He was also inspired by his maternal grandfather, Leonard Fuller, a World War II veteran and career Army officer who directed the Model Cities Program in McAlester, Oklahoma, after his retirement from the military.{{cite web |url=http://votedavidholt.com/blog/?p=1058 |title=Grandad |work=David Holt blog |access-date=October 27, 2011 |archive-date=May 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502103454/http://votedavidholt.com/blog/?p=1058 |url-status=live }}

After graduating from Putnam City North High School in Oklahoma City, Holt earned a B.A. from George Washington University, which his mother attended. He was a sports editor for The GW Hatchet.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

Holt returned to Oklahoma, where he earned a Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University and established a legal practice. In 2014, he was named director of investor relations for Hall Capital.{{cite web |url=http://newsok.com/hall-capital-hires-oklahoma-state-sen.-david-holt-to-lead-new-investor-relations-office/article/5367697 |title=Hall Capital hires Oklahoma state Sen. David Holt to lead new investor relations office |website=NewsOK.com |date=November 18, 2014 |access-date=November 21, 2014 |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129065506/http://newsok.com/hall-capital-hires-oklahoma-state-sen.-david-holt-to-lead-new-investor-relations-office/article/5367697 |url-status=live }} He has also served as an adjunct professor at Oklahoma City University.{{cite web |url=http://www.okcu.edu/news/?id=5373 |title=OCU President Robert Henry and Senator David Holt to Teach Honors Class |publisher=Oklahoma City University |date=November 10, 2011 |access-date=November 21, 2014 |archive-date=June 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608200735/http://www2.okcu.edu/news/?id=5373 |url-status=live }}

Holt became active in the Republican Party, serving as an aide to Dennis Hastert when Hastert was Speaker of the House, and during the 9/11 attacks.{{cite web |url=http://okcfriday.com/remembering-locals-recall-tragic-day-almost-years-later-p6257-92.htm |title=Remembering 9/11: Locals recall tragic day, almost 10 years later |publisher=OKC Friday |access-date=October 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111212020139/http://okcfriday.com/remembering-locals-recall-tragic-day-almost-years-later-p6257-92.htm |archive-date=December 12, 2011 |url-status=dead }} He served in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs under President George W. Bush.{{cite web|url=http://www.oksenate.gov/Senators/biographies/holt_bio.aspx|title=Senator David Holt - District 30|website=Oksenate.gov|access-date=May 25, 2011|archive-date=May 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519215349/http://www.oksenate.gov/Senators/biographies/holt_bio.aspx|url-status=dead}}

In 2004, Holt returned full-time to Oklahoma, where he served as the state's campaign coordinator to reelect Bush. He served U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe and Lt. Governor Mary Fallin. In 2006 he was appointed chief of staff to Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, where he served until his election to the State Senate. Holt was Cornett's chief of staff when Oklahoma City successfully lobbied to attract a major league basketball team, gaining what is now known as the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association.

File:Senator David Holt at Bethany, OK Parade July 4 2011.jpg Independence Day Parade on July 4, 2011]]

Holt was elected to the State Senate on July 27, 2010, taking 64% of the vote in the Republican primary and running unopposed in the general election. He took office on November 16, 2010. He succeeded Glenn Coffee, the first Republican Senate president pro tempore in Oklahoma history.

In the State Senate, Holt worked on tax issues, aiming to eliminate or reduce income tax.{{cite web |date=February 5, 2011 |title=Now is the time to schedule more tax cuts |url=http://newsok.com/now-is-the-time-to-schedule-more-tax-cuts/article/3538119 |access-date=May 25, 2011 |website=NewsOK.com |archive-date=October 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004091135/http://newsok.com/now-is-the-time-to-schedule-more-tax-cuts/article/3538119 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=January 19, 2012 |title=Senators Introduce Laffer Plan to Phase Out Income Tax |url=http://www.okgop.com/senators-introduce-laffer-plan-to-phase-out-income-tax/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906101954/http://www.okgop.com/senators-introduce-laffer-plan-to-phase-out-income-tax/ |archive-date=September 6, 2012 |access-date=March 18, 2012 |publisher=The Oklahoma Republican Party}} He served as a Republican member of the Electoral College in 2012.{{cite web |date=September 28, 2012 |title=Holt Chosen for Electoral College |url=http://okcfriday.com/holt-chosen-for-electoral-college-p7295-92.htm |access-date=September 26, 2012 |website=OKC Friday |archive-date=April 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429155004/http://okcfriday.com/holt-chosen-for-electoral-college-p7295-92.htm |url-status=live }} In his first term, he was elected Majority Caucus Vice Chair, and for the 2013-14 legislative sessions, Holt was elected majority whip for the Senate Republican caucus. He was also named vice chair of the new Appropriations Subcommittee on Select Agencies.

For the 2015 and 2016 sessions, Holt was named chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Select Agencies. He served as campaign chair in Oklahoma for Marco Rubio's presidential campaign in 2015 and 2016.{{cite web |date=May 23, 2015 |title=Oklahoma legislators discuss opportunities on 'emerging leaders' panel |url=http://newsok.com/article/5421872 |access-date=September 13, 2015 |work=The Oklahoman |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924193807/http://newsok.com/article/5421872 |url-status=live }} In 2015, Holt worked on election reform, authoring a law that created an online registration system.{{cite web |url=http://newsok.com/oklahoma-senator-proposes-nine-measures-to-boost-voter-turnout/article/5387770 |title=Oklahoma senator proposes measures to boost voter turnout |work=The Oklahoman |date=January 26, 2015 |access-date=January 30, 2015 |archive-date=January 31, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131053303/http://newsok.com/oklahoma-senator-proposes-nine-measures-to-boost-voter-turnout/article/5387770 |url-status=live }} In 2016, Holt authored a law that created a "revenue stabilization fund" intended to minimize the effect of future revenue shortfalls.{{cite web|url=http://newsok.com/article/5511212 |title=Lawmakers: New stabilization fund will help with future Oklahoma budgeting |work=The Oklahoman |date=July 27, 2016 |access-date=July 27, 2016}} In a preliminary vote, Holt voted for a proposed bill to prohibit physicians participating in abortions from obtaining or renewing Oklahoma licenses to practice medicine and to impose a one- to three-year prison sentence for performing an abortion. Holt did not participate in the vote on final passage and the bill was vetoed.{{Cite web |title=Senate Votes |url=http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf/2015-16%20SUPPORT%20DOCUMENTS/votes/Senate/SB1552_VOTES.HTM#RCS0182 |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us}}{{Cite web |title=Bill Information |url=http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=SB1552&Session=1600 |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=www.oklegislature.gov}}

In the State Senate in 2017 and 2018, Holt worked on increasing teacher pay.{{cite web |date=January 20, 2017 |title=Latest pay plan would raise Oklahoma teacher salaries by $10,000 |url=http://newsok.com/article/5534941 |access-date=November 21, 2017 |work=The Oklahoman |archive-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223103518/http://newsok.com/article/5534941 |url-status=live }} In the 2017 and 2018 sessions, Holt was named Appropriations Subcommittee Chair for Public Safety and Judiciary.{{cite web |url=http://www.oksenate.gov/news/press_releases/press_releases_2016/pr20161206a.htm |title=Senate Pro Tem-designate Mike Schulz Announces Committee Chair, Vice Chair Appointments |publisher=Oklahoma Senate |date=December 6, 2016 |access-date=November 21, 2017 |archive-date=November 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123150738/http://www.oksenate.gov/news/press_releases/press_releases_2016/pr20161206a.htm |url-status=live }}

In 2017, he announced his candidacy for mayor of Oklahoma City.{{cite web |url=http://newsok.com/article/5539445 |title=State Sen. David Holt announces run for Oklahoma City mayor |work=The Oklahoman |date=February 27, 2017 |access-date=April 20, 2017 |archive-date=April 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419035009/http://newsok.com/article/5539445 |url-status=live }}

Holt was elected mayor on February 13, 2018, defeating Taylor Neighbors and Randall Smith in a nonpartisan race.{{Cite news|url=http://www.news9.com/story/37499383/david-holt-elected-next-mayor-of-okc|title=David Holt Elected Next Mayor Of OKC|last=Lewis|first=Christy|access-date=April 29, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217001900/http://www.news9.com/story/37499383/david-holt-elected-next-mayor-of-okc|url-status=live}} Holt was sworn in as mayor on April 10.{{cite web |url=https://oklahoman.com/article/5590347/holt-sworn-in-as-oklahoma-citys-36th-mayor#:~:text=David%20Holt%20was%20sworn%20in%20as%20Oklahoma%20City%27s,District%201%20Commissioner%20Willa%20Johnson%20administered%20the%20oath. |title=Holt sworn in as Oklahoma City's 36th mayor |work=The Oklahoman |date=April 10, 2017 |access-date=August 16, 2020 |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030200158/http://oklahoman.com/article/5590347/holt-sworn-in-as-oklahoma-citys-36th-mayor#:~:text=David%20Holt%20was%20sworn%20in%20as%20Oklahoma%20City%27s,District%201%20Commissioner%20Willa%20Johnson%20administered%20the%20oath. |url-status=live }} He resigned from the state senate before taking office. At the time of his swearing-in, Holt was 39 years and one month old, making him Oklahoma City's youngest mayor since 1923 and the youngest mayor of a U.S. city over 500,000, as well as Oklahoma City's first Native American mayor.{{Cite news|url=http://kfor.com/2018/02/14/what-we-know-about-david-holt-the-man-elected-as-next-oklahoma-city-mayor/|title=What we know about David Holt, the man elected as next Oklahoma City Mayor|date=February 14, 2018|work=KFOR.com|access-date=April 29, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=April 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423074254/http://kfor.com/2018/02/14/what-we-know-about-david-holt-the-man-elected-as-next-oklahoma-city-mayor/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://okc.gov/government/mayor-david-holt/about-mayor-holt|title=About Mayor Holt {{!}} City of OKC|website=okc.gov|language=en|access-date=April 29, 2018|archive-date=April 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429093909/https://okc.gov/government/mayor-david-holt/about-mayor-holt|url-status=dead}} In 2019, Holt and city leaders opened the city's new streetcar system, a project funded by MAPS 3.{{cite web |url=https://kfor.com/news/its-official-oklahoma-city-streetcar-opens-with-free-rides-through-jan-5/ |title=It's official: Oklahoma City Streetcar opens with free rides through Jan. 5 |publisher=KFOR |date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=August 16, 2020 |archive-date=June 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620074512/https://kfor.com/news/its-official-oklahoma-city-streetcar-opens-with-free-rides-through-jan-5/ |url-status=live }}

Holt's second year in office brought the development and passage of MAPS 4, a $1.1 billion initiative to address 16 priorities. The Oklahoman called Holt "the architect"{{cite web |url=https://oklahoman.com/article/5649424/election-day-arrives-voters-to-have-their-say-on-maps-4 |title=Election day arrives: Voters to have their say on MAPS 4 |work=The Oklahoman |date=December 9, 2019 |access-date=February 12, 2020 |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212202444/https://oklahoman.com/article/5649424/election-day-arrives-voters-to-have-their-say-on-maps-4 |url-status=live }} of the "most ambitious MAPS ever".{{cite web |url=https://oklahoman.com/article/5639677/ambitions-slate-for-oklahoma-citys-maps-4 |title=Ambitious slate for Oklahoma City's MAPS 4 |work=The Oklahoman |date=August 28, 2019 |access-date=February 12, 2020 |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212202445/https://oklahoman.com/article/5639677/ambitions-slate-for-oklahoma-citys-maps-4 |url-status=live }} The initiative received 71.7% of the vote on December 10, 2019, a modern record for a sales tax vote in Oklahoma City.{{cite web |url=https://journalrecord.com/2019/12/10/voters-approve-maps-4-in-a-landslide/ |title=Voters approve MAPS 4 in a landslide |work=The Journal Record |date=December 10, 2019 |access-date=February 12, 2020 |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212232508/https://journalrecord.com/2019/12/10/voters-approve-maps-4-in-a-landslide/ |url-status=live }} MAPS 4 includes funding for a variety of city priorities.{{cite web |url=https://www.okc.gov/government/maps-4/projects |title=MAPS 4 projects |publisher=City of Oklahoma City |date=December 10, 2019 |access-date=February 12, 2020 |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212202441/https://www.okc.gov/government/maps-4/projects |url-status=live }}

In 2019, Holt was elected to the leadership of the United States Conference of Mayors and named vice-chair of the International Affairs Committee.{{cite web |date=April 10, 2019 |title=About Mayor Holt |url=https://www.okc.gov/government/mayor-david-holt/about-mayor-holt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411120242/https://www.okc.gov/government/mayor-david-holt/about-mayor-holt |archive-date=April 11, 2018 |access-date=February 12, 2020 |publisher=City of Oklahoma City}} In 2020, he was elected a trustee of the United States Conference of Mayors and to the board of the National League of Cities.{{cite web|url=https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3485/140|title=Mayor Holt elected to highest level of national Mayoral leadership|date=July 2, 2020|publisher=City of Oklahoma City|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704035713/https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3485/140|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nlc.org/post/2020/11/20/new-president-and-board-members-elected-to-national-league-of-cities/|date=November 20, 2020|publisher=NLC|access-date=May 27, 2021|title=New President and Board Members Elected to National League of Cities|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514073428/https://www.nlc.org/post/2020/11/20/new-president-and-board-members-elected-to-national-league-of-cities/|url-status=live}} As mayor, Holt has emphasized diversity and community inclusion.{{cite web |date=September 27, 2018 |title=Mayor designates Oct. 8 as Indigenous Peoples Day in Oklahoma City |url=https://oklahoman.com/article/5609818/indegenous-peoples-day-to-be-observed-oct.-8-in-oklahoma-city |access-date=June 7, 2020 |work=The Oklahoman |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113184627/http://oklahoman.com/article/5609818/indegenous-peoples-day-to-be-observed-oct.-8-in-oklahoma-city |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=July 15, 2019 |title=Holt: Immigrants are welcome in Oklahoma City |url=https://oklahoman.com/article/5636253/holt-immigrants-are-welcome-in-oklahoma-city |access-date=September 10, 2020 |work=The Oklahoman |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114184118/https://oklahoman.com/article/5636253/holt-immigrants-are-welcome-in-oklahoma-city |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=January 15, 2021 |title=OKC, Norman hire first chief diversity and inclusion officers |url=https://www.koco.com/article/okc-norman-hire-first-chief-diversity-and-inclusion-officers/35231754 |access-date=May 27, 2021 |publisher=KOCO |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304085905/https://www.koco.com/article/okc-norman-hire-first-chief-diversity-and-inclusion-officers/35231754 |url-status=live }} In 2019, he joined leaders of five other cities in signing an agreement to form Oklahoma's first Regional Transit Authority (RTA), with plans to build a metropolitan rail system in the years ahead.{{cite web|url=http://www.acogok.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/All-Aboard-Mayors-of-Six-Cities-Sign-an-Historic-Agreement-Forming-the-Regional-Transit-Authority-of-Central-Oklahoma.pdf|title=The Mayors of Six Cities Sign an Historic Agreement Forming the Regional Transportation Authority of Central Oklahoma|date=February 20, 2019|publisher=ACOG|access-date=August 16, 2020|archive-date=December 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201226173842/http://www.acogok.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/All-Aboard-Mayors-of-Six-Cities-Sign-an-Historic-Agreement-Forming-the-Regional-Transit-Authority-of-Central-Oklahoma.pdf|url-status=live}}

Holt proclaimed "Indigenous Peoples' Day" for the first time in city history,{{cite web|url=https://oklahoman.com/article/5609818/indegenous-peoples-day-to-be-observed-oct.-8-in-oklahoma-city|title=Mayor designates Oct. 8 as Indigenous Peoples Day in Oklahoma City|date=September 27, 2018|work=The Oklahoman|access-date=June 7, 2020|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113184627/http://oklahoman.com/article/5609818/indegenous-peoples-day-to-be-observed-oct.-8-in-oklahoma-city|url-status=live}} proclaimed "Pride" for the first time in city history to honor the LGBTQ community,{{cite web|url=https://www.koco.com/article/mayor-holt-to-declare-oklahoma-citys-first-lgbtq-pride-week-in-history/28072016|title=Mayor Holt declares Oklahoma City's first LGBTQ 'Pride Week' in history|date=June 17, 2019|publisher=KOCO|access-date=June 7, 2020|archive-date=June 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607173843/https://www.koco.com/article/mayor-holt-to-declare-oklahoma-citys-first-lgbtq-pride-week-in-history/28072016|url-status=live}} and stated publicly that immigrants are welcome in Oklahoma City.{{cite web|url=https://oklahoman.com/article/5636253/holt-immigrants-are-welcome-in-oklahoma-city|title=Holt: Immigrants are welcome in Oklahoma City|date=July 15, 2019|work=The Oklahoman|access-date=September 10, 2020|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114184118/https://oklahoman.com/article/5636253/holt-immigrants-are-welcome-in-oklahoma-city|url-status=live}} Holt has joined official celebrations commemorating the city's civil rights movement and included a $26 million civil rights center in the MAPS 4 initiative.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1a3IB9SeQY|title=OKC Mayor Holt Commemorates 60th Anniversary of Katz Drug Store Sit-In|date=August 17, 2019|publisher=City of OKC|access-date=June 7, 2020|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127162951/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1a3IB9SeQY|url-status=live}} The city also added a diversity and inclusion officer to the city staff.{{cite web|url=https://www.koco.com/article/okc-norman-hire-first-chief-diversity-and-inclusion-officers/35231754|title=OKC, Norman hire first chief diversity and inclusion officers|date=January 15, 2021|publisher=KOCO|access-date=May 27, 2021|archive-date=March 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304085905/https://www.koco.com/article/okc-norman-hire-first-chief-diversity-and-inclusion-officers/35231754|url-status=live}}

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Holt proclaimed a state of emergency on the first day a local case was identified in March 2020, put Oklahoma City into "shelter in place", and was continuously aggressive in addressing the pandemic.{{cite web|url=https://kfor.com/health/coronavirus/oklahoma-city-mayor-holt-orders-residents-to-shelter-in-place-to-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus/|title=Oklahoma City Mayor Holt orders residents to 'Shelter in Place' to prevent spread of coronavirus|date=March 28, 2020|publisher=KFOR|access-date=June 7, 2020|archive-date=June 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619190638/https://kfor.com/health/coronavirus/oklahoma-city-mayor-holt-orders-residents-to-shelter-in-place-to-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus/|url-status=live}} When Oklahoma City experienced a second peak in the summer of 2020, Holt supported a mask ordinance.{{cite web|url=https://oklahoman.com/article/5669188/mask-ordinance-extension-proposed|title='We still have work to do': OKC may extend mask ordinance|date=August 15, 2020|work=The Oklahoman|access-date=August 16, 2020|archive-date=August 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820122214/https://oklahoman.com/article/5669188/mask-ordinance-extension-proposed|url-status=live}} Eleven months into the pandemic, Oklahoma City had a death rate lower than all but six other large cities, and 27% lower than the rest of Oklahoma.{{cite web|url=https://oklahoman.com/article/5681702/okc-mayor-counsels-vigilance-says-his-father-is-recovering-from-covid-19-after-11-days-in-icu|title=OKC mayor counsels vigilance, says his father is recovering from COVID-19 after 11 days in ICU|date=February 5, 2021|work=The Oklahoman|access-date=February 8, 2021|archive-date=February 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208040101/https://oklahoman.com/article/5681702/okc-mayor-counsels-vigilance-says-his-father-is-recovering-from-covid-19-after-11-days-in-icu|url-status=live}}

During the 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Holt attended protests.{{cite web|url=https://oklahoman.com/article/5663772/demonstrators-rally-in-okc-for-fourth-night|title=Mayor Holt joins protesters in downtown OKC late Tuesday|date=June 2, 2020|publisher=KFOR|access-date=June 7, 2020|archive-date=June 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607174107/https://oklahoman.com/article/5663772/demonstrators-rally-in-okc-for-fourth-night|url-status=live}} He met with Black Lives Matter leaders and created a task force to look at law enforcement policies{{cite web|url=https://oklahoman.com/article/5668913/keep-focus-holt-advises-policing-task-force|title=Keep focus, Holt advises policing task force|date=August 12, 2020|work=The Oklahoman|access-date=August 16, 2020|archive-date=August 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820121518/https://oklahoman.com/article/5668913/keep-focus-holt-advises-policing-task-force|url-status=live}} and a task force to look at reinstatement of the city's Human Rights Commission.{{cite web|url=https://oklahoman.com/article/5664396/task-force-to-study-human-rights-commission|title=Task force to study human rights commission|date=June 12, 2020|work=The Oklahoman|access-date=August 16, 2020|archive-date=August 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801051843/https://oklahoman.com/article/5664396/task-force-to-study-human-rights-commission|url-status=live}} On April 19, 2020, the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, Holt spoke at the ceremony.{{cite web|url=https://bombing.newsok.com/oklahoma-city-bombing-oklahoma-city-mayor-david-holt-addresses-25th-anniversary/article/5660474|title=Oklahoma City bombing: Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt addresses 25th anniversary|date=April 19, 2020|work=The Oklahoman|access-date=August 16, 2020|archive-date=May 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503051624/https://bombing.newsok.com/oklahoma-city-bombing-oklahoma-city-mayor-david-holt-addresses-25th-anniversary/article/5660474|url-status=dead}} In March 2021, he opened a $288 million convention center.{{cite web|url=https://kfor.com/news/local/maps-3-convention-center-opening-to-the-public/|title=MAPS 3 Convention Center opening to the public|date=March 11, 2021|work=KFOR|access-date=May 27, 2021|archive-date=March 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314031129/https://kfor.com/news/local/maps-3-convention-center-opening-to-the-public/|url-status=live}} In May 2021, Holt authored and passed legislation to repeal 85% of Oklahoma City's occupational licenses.{{cite web|url=https://journalrecord.com/2021/05/26/okc-council-eliminates-most-occupational-licenses/|title=OKC Council eliminates most occupational licenses|date=May 26, 2021|work=The Journal Record|access-date=May 27, 2021|archive-date=May 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527032114/https://journalrecord.com/2021/05/26/okc-council-eliminates-most-occupational-licenses/|url-status=live}} In July 2021, he and other Oklahoma City leaders announced their support for the expansion of Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City's largest employer.{{cite web|url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2021/07/22/tinker-air-force-base-expansion-close-douglas-boulevard/8046577002/|title=Tinker Air Force Base expansion to close two-mile stretch of Douglas Boulevard|date=July 22, 2021|work=The Oklahoman|access-date=September 26, 2021|archive-date=September 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926165825/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2021/07/22/tinker-air-force-base-expansion-close-douglas-boulevard/8046577002/|url-status=live}} In September 2021, Holt and tribal leaders opened the new First Americans Museum, a $175 million facility dedicated to telling the Native American story. Holt spoke at the opening ceremony as the city's first Native American mayor.{{cite web|url=https://www.news9.com/story/6145033076820120011c5d6c/okc-mayor-david-holt-on-opening-of-first-americans-museum|title=OKC Mayor David Holt On Opening Of First Americans Museum|date=September 17, 2021|work=KWTV|access-date=September 26, 2021|archive-date=September 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926165820/https://www.news9.com/story/6145033076820120011c5d6c/okc-mayor-david-holt-on-opening-of-first-americans-museum|url-status=live}}

In June 2021, a publicly released poll of Oklahoma City voters found that Holt was favored by Republicans 54%-19% and by Democrats 61%-12%. The pollster wrote, "In today's political environment, it is very unusual to see a candidate who is able to draw such support from members of both parties."{{cite web|url=https://chs-inc.com/okc-mayor-david-holt-poised-for-reelection/|title=OKC Mayor David Holt Poised for Reelection|date=June 23, 2021|work=CHS|access-date=June 24, 2021|archive-date=June 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623160213/https://chs-inc.com/okc-mayor-david-holt-poised-for-reelection/|url-status=live}} In April 2022, Holt led a delegation of 12 mayors to Israel, where they met with various officials, including the mayors of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.{{cite web|url=https://www.jns.org/us-mayors-visit-israel-to-meet-with-their-counterparts-and-strengthen-bilateral-ties/|title=US mayors visit Israel to meet with their counterparts and strengthen bilateral ties|date=March 29, 2022|work=Jewish News Syndicate|access-date=April 7, 2022|archive-date=April 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404074915/https://www.jns.org/us-mayors-visit-israel-to-meet-with-their-counterparts-and-strengthen-bilateral-ties/|url-status=live}}

Holt was reelected to a second term on February 8, 2022, receiving 59.8% of the vote in four-way, nonpartisan race, 40 points ahead of his nearest competitor. The election featured the largest voter turnout for an Oklahoma City mayoral election since 1959, and Holt received more votes than any candidate for Oklahoma City mayor since 1959.{{cite web|url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2022/02/10/david-holt-reelected-okc-mayor-after-divisive-campaigns-against-him/6722196001/|title='Not a red city, or a blue city ... We are Oklahoma City.': Holt secures another term as mayor|date=February 10, 2022|work=The Oklahoman|access-date=February 11, 2022|archive-date=November 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130232732/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2022/02/10/david-holt-reelected-okc-mayor-after-divisive-campaigns-against-him/6722196001/|url-status=live}}File:L-22-05-04-B-038 (52051292990) (cropped).jpg Marty Walsh in Oklahoma City, May 2022]]

Holt's second term began in May 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/religion/2022/05/02/david-holt-kicked-off-his-second-oklahoma-city-mayor-term-prayer/9615039002/|title=David Holt's second Oklahoma City mayoral term begins with Afghan refugee, prayer service|date=May 2, 2022|work=The Oklahoman|access-date=May 5, 2022|archive-date=May 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519231155/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/religion/2022/05/02/david-holt-kicked-off-his-second-oklahoma-city-mayor-term-prayer/9615039002/|url-status=live}} The next month, Holt broke ground on the city's first Bus Rapid Transit line, a 9.5 mile, $28.9 million transit project.{{cite web|url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/infrastructure/article/21272666/oklahoma-city-regions-first-brt-project-breaks-ground|title=Oklahoma City region's first BRT project breaks ground|date=June 29, 2022|work=Mass Transit Mag|access-date=August 22, 2022|archive-date=September 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928201701/https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/infrastructure/article/21272666/oklahoma-city-regions-first-brt-project-breaks-ground|url-status=live}} In July 2022, the Oklahoma City Council recreated a Human Rights Commission, which it had lacked since 1996. Adoption resulted from a task force Holt created in the summer of 2020. The new Human Rights Commission passed 5–4, with Holt casting one of the five affirmative votes.{{cite web|url=https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4184/18|title=OKC City Council reinstates Human Rights Commission|date=July 19, 2022|work=City of Oklahoma City|access-date=August 22, 2022|archive-date=August 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818132937/https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4184/18|url-status=live}}

In November 2022, Holt supported a bond issue for public education, a nearly $1 billion proposal for school infrastructure. The two ballot questions each received over 60% approval from voters.{{cite web|url=https://www.news9.com/story/636b9caa96ce0107225d72f9/near-1-billion-okcps-bond-passes-|title=NEAR $1 BILLION OKCPS BOND PASSES|date=November 9, 2022|work=KWTV News 9|access-date=November 13, 2022|archive-date=November 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113181304/https://www.news9.com/story/636b9caa96ce0107225d72f9/near-1-billion-okcps-bond-passes-|url-status=live}} In May, it was announced Holt would serve as dean of the Oklahoma City University School of Law starting July 1, 2023, while also remaining mayor.{{cite news |last1=Hayes |first1=Jana |title=Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt to take on role as dean of OCU law school |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2023/05/10/mayor-david-holt-named-dean-of-oklahoma-city-university-law-school/70205817007/ |access-date=15 May 2023 |work=The Oklahoman |date=May 10, 2023 |archive-date=May 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511143638/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2023/05/10/mayor-david-holt-named-dean-of-oklahoma-city-university-law-school/70205817007/ |url-status=live }} In June 2023, Holt was elected president of the United States Conference of Mayors for 2025–2026.{{cite web |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2023/06/05/okc-mayor-david-holt-will-be-u-s-conference-of-mayors-2025-president/70289709007/ |title=OKC Mayor David Holt selected to become U.S. Conference of Mayors president in 2025 |publisher=The Oklahoman |date=June 5, 2023 |access-date=June 6, 2023 |archive-date=October 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027221316/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2023/06/05/okc-mayor-david-holt-will-be-u-s-conference-of-mayors-2025-president/70289709007/ |url-status=live }} In August 2023, Holt spoke on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington.{{cite web |url=https://www.news9.com/story/64ed3420ecc0e8774544c99d/march-on-washington-commemorated-60-years-later-by-okc-mayor |title=MAYOR HOLT SPEAKS AT 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF MARCH ON WASHINGTON |publisher=KWTV |date=August 28, 2023 |access-date=August 29, 2023 |archive-date=August 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830034426/https://www.news9.com/story/64ed3420ecc0e8774544c99d/march-on-washington-commemorated-60-years-later-by-okc-mayor |url-status=live }}

In September 2023, Holt announced a plan to publicly fund a new arena in downtown Oklahoma City in exchange for a commitment from the Oklahoma City Thunder to stay in Oklahoma City beyond 2050.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/38388729/okc-unveils-plan-new-arena-keep-thunder-2050 |title=OKC unveils plan for new arena to keep Thunder through 2050 |publisher=ESPN |date=September 12, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913192413/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/38388729/okc-unveils-plan-new-arena-keep-thunder-2050 |url-status=live }} A supporter of the arena proposal, Holt said the team would leave Oklahoma City without a new arena.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-28 |title=OKC Mayor confident Thunder team would leave if new arena vote doesn't pass |url=https://kfor.com/news/local/okc-mayor-confident-thunder-team-would-leave-if-new-arena-vote-doesnt-pass/ |website=KFOR.com Oklahoma City |language=en-US}} Under the agreement, taxpayers would pay at least $850 million of the cost of the arena while the team, valued at $3 billion, would pay $50 million. The proposal led to wide public debate.{{cite web |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/local/2023/12/07/okc-thunder-nba-arena-vote-arguments-for-against-election/71755278007/ |title=OKC is closing in on the arena vote — and groups are ramping up their arguments for and against it |publisher=The Oklahoman|date=December 7, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2024}} Holt and other proponents of the proposal argued that the team's presence in Oklahoma City was worth $580 million per year to Oklahoma City's economy, while economists who specialize in the study of stadium subsidies strongly criticized the deal and were skeptical of its purported benefits.{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=OKC officials say a new Thunder arena is worth every penny. Economists aren't sold. |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/local/2023/10/05/okc-thunder-new-nba-arena-sales-tax-economists-weigh-in/70902757007/ |website=The Oklahoman |language=en-US}} In a December 2023 referendum, 71% of Oklahoma City voters approved a six-year sales tax to fund the arena.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-10 |title=OKC voters mull sales tax to fund $900M arena |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39083237/oklahoma-city-voters-mull-tax-build-1b-arena-thunder |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Mussatto: OKC voters 'get game ball' after approving funding of new Thunder arena |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2023/12/12/okc-thunder-nba-david-holt-oklahoma-city-new-arena-vote/71902024007/ |website=The Oklahoman |language=en-US}}

As a Republican, Holt has opposed Trumpism.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/capitol-breached-protesters/story?id=75081629|title=US Capitol breached by pro-Trump mob during 'failed insurrection'|date=January 7, 2021|publisher=ABC|access-date=January 10, 2021|archive-date=January 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106212039/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/capitol-breached-protesters/story?id=75081629|url-status=live}}{{cite web |date=April 26, 2016 |title=Interview of Senator David Holt |url=https://m.facebook.com/watch/?v=10153398981196782&_rdr |access-date=January 10, 2021 |publisher=KOCO via Facebook |archive-date=October 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027221317/https://m.facebook.com/login.php?next=https%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com%2Fwatch%2F%3Fv%3D10153398981196782&refsrc=deprecated&_rdr |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=October 9, 2020 |title=Trump's struggles ripple across the Sun Belt, a traditional G.O.P. stronghold. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/09/us/elections/trumps-struggles-ripple-across-the-sun-belt-a-traditional-gop-stronghold.html |access-date=January 10, 2021 |work=The New York Times |archive-date=January 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113113852/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/09/us/elections/trumps-struggles-ripple-across-the-sun-belt-a-traditional-gop-stronghold.html |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |date=February 1, 2021 |title=The View From the Republican Rebels |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/trump-impeachment-republicans-cheney-1121628/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-date=September 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910074240/https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/trump-impeachment-republicans-cheney-1121628/ |url-status=live }}

Holt is married to Rachel Canuso, and they have two children. They are Episcopalian.

Holt wrote Big League City: Oklahoma City's Rise to the NBA (2012), a nonfiction political and sports book published by Full Circle Press.{{cite web |url=http://newsok.com/article/3669052 |title=New Book Details Oklahoma City's Rise to 'Big League City' Status |work=The Oklahoman |date=April 24, 2012 |access-date=April 24, 2012 |archive-date=April 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425164039/http://newsok.com/article/3669052 |url-status=live }} It details the arrival of major league sports in Oklahoma City, culminating with the 2008 relocation there of the National Basketball Association's Seattle SuperSonics, which was renamed the Oklahoma City Thunder.{{cite web|last=Holt|first=David|title=Big League City|url=http://bigleaguecitybook.com/|access-date=May 22, 2012|archive-date=May 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501130653/http://www.bigleaguecitybook.com/|url-status=live}} Holt served as chief of staff to Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett at the time.{{cite web|last=Tramel|first=Berry|title=Oklahoma City Thunder: New book to chronicle OKC's ascension|url=http://blog.newsok.com/berrytramel/2012/04/16/8894/|work=The Oklahoman|access-date=May 22, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209122743/http://blog.newsok.com/berrytramel/2012/04/16/8894/|archive-date=December 9, 2012|url-status=dead}}

{{Election box begin | title=2010 Oklahoma State Senate District 30 election{{cite web| url = http://www.ok.gov/elections/support/10pri.html| title = SUMMARY RESULTS: Primary Election -- July 27, 2010| publisher = Oklahoma State Election Board| access-date = May 24, 2011| archive-date = July 20, 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120720102932/http://www.ok.gov/elections/support/10pri.html| url-status = dead}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

|party = Republican Party (US)

|candidate = David Holt

|votes = 5,125

|percentage = 63.59%

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

|party = Republican Party (US)

|candidate = Matt Jackson

|votes = 2,934

|percentage = 36.41%

|change =

}}

{{Election box turnout

|votes = 8,059

|percentage =

|change =

}}

{{Election box end}}

In 2014, Holt was reelected to a second term in the Oklahoma Senate without opposition and no election was held.

{{Election box begin | title=2018 Oklahoma City nonpartisan mayoral election{{cite web|last1=Crum|first1=William|title=Holt elected Oklahoma City mayor|url=http://newsok.com/article/5583375/holt-leading-in-race-for-mayor|website=NewsOK.com|access-date=April 17, 2018|date=February 13, 2018|archive-date=October 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027221317/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/columns/2018/02/14/holt-leading-in-race-for-mayor/60543455007/|url-status=live}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

|party = Nonpartisan politician

|candidate = David Holt

|votes = 20,409

|percentage = 78.5%

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

|party = Nonpartisan politician

|candidate = Taylor Neighbors

|votes = 3,443

|percentage = 13.2%

|change =

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{{Election box candidate with party link

|party = Nonpartisan politician

|candidate = Randall Smith

|votes = 2,138

|percentage = 8.2%

|change =

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{{Election box turnout

|votes = 25,990

|percentage =

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{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin | title=2022 Oklahoma City nonpartisan mayoral election{{cite web|author=KOCO Staff|url=https://www.koco.com/amp/article/oklahoma-city-mayor-election-2022/39016244|title=Incumbent David Holt projected winner of Oklahoma City mayoral race|website=koco.com|date=February 8, 2022|access-date=February 10, 2022|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210141722/https://www.koco.com/amp/article/oklahoma-city-mayor-election-2022/39016244|url-status=live}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

|party = Nonpartisan politician

|candidate = David Holt

|votes = 36,338

|percentage = 59.8

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

|party = Nonpartisan politician

|candidate = Frank Urbanic

|votes = 12,111

|percentage = 19.9

|change

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

|party = Nonpartisan politician

|candidate = Carol Hefner

|votes = 8,285

|percentage = 13.6

|change

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

|party = Nonpartisan politician

|candidate = Jimmy Lawson

|votes = 4,022

|percentage = 6.6

|change =

}}

{{Election box turnout

|votes = 60,756

|percentage =

|change =

}}

{{Election box end}}

• List of mayors of the 50 largest cities in the United States

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

• [http://holtformayor.com OKC Mayor Campaign website]
• [https://okc.gov/government/mayor-david-holt/about-mayor-holt City of Oklahoma City web site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429093909/https://okc.gov/government/mayor-david-holt/about-mayor-holt |date=April 29, 2018 }}
• {{Twitter|davidfholt}}
• {{Facebook|davidfullerholt}}
• {{Instagram|mayordavidholt}}
• {{C-SPAN|73796}}

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{{s-ttl|title=Member of the Oklahoma Senate
from the 30th district|years=2010–2018}}

{{s-aft|after=Julia Kirt}}

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{{s-bef|before=Mick Cornett}}

{{s-ttl|title=Mayor of Oklahoma City|years=2018–present}}

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{{Mayors of Oklahoma City}}

{{Mayors of US State Capitals}}

{{Mayors of the 50 largest U.S. cities}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Holt, David}}

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