Midwest City Ward 1 Councilwoman Susan Eads resigns

Seat to be filled in February election

By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon

Midwest City Ward 1 Councilwoman Susan Eads has resigned after nearly nine years of service.

Eads submitted a letter of resignation to city leaders Tuesday, citing her daughter’s pursuit of employment with the city. Both Oklahoma state law and the Midwest City Charter prohibit immediate family members of councilmembers from being hired or appointed to city positions.

Eads, whose term was set to end in April, said she did not plan to seek reelection but had considered a mayoral bid.

“I can resign with my head held high knowing that in addition to all the time and service to my neighborhood association and a lot of hours volunteering for city events and activities, I have given almost nine years of service as the Ward One Council member,” Eads wrote. “I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with you and all the dedicated members of City staff, as well as the great people who serve on the Midwest City Council. I wish the best to all.”

She was appointed to the council in January 2017 to fill a vacancy and later won reelection in 2018 and was unopposed in 2022. Ward 1 covers the far southwest corner of Midwest City, including the Original Mile neighborhood, major retail areas, and land bordering Tinker Air Force Base.

Eads grew up in Illinois and moved to Oklahoma to attend law school. She works as assistant general counsel at Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

City Manager Tim Lyon praised Eads’ service and leadership.

“Susan’s service on the council and to the residents of Ward 1 has been exemplary,” Lyon said in a press release. “She’s given of herself time and time again, making great strides for her neighbors and for her community. We have appreciated her dedication and will miss her.”

Ward 1 voters will elect a new representative in the Feb. 10 election. A runoff, if necessary, would take place in April. The ballot will also include races for mayor and the Ward 3 and Ward 5 council seats. Candidate filing is scheduled for Dec. 1–3.

An interim councilmember may be appointed by the mayor and city council, pending a majority vote.

In her letter, Eads endorsed Frank Young to serve as the interim councilmember. Young has expressed interest in running for the Ward 1 seat.

“Frank has been very active in the Holoway Park Neighborhood Association, has expressed his desire to run for election in 2026 for the Ward One Council member position and has been regularly attending Council meetings for several months now,” she wrote. “Frank is a dedicated individual, who I believe will work well with all members of Council and City staff.  I wholeheartedly endorse him to replace me as the Ward One Council member.”

The council last appointed a member in July 2023, when Rick Dawkins filled a vacancy created by Megan Bain’s resignation. Dawkins announced he would not seek reelection. Rita Maxwell was elected in 2024 to fill the remainder of the term.