Bipartisan Mayors Unite in Oklahoma City to Combat Political Violence

On September 26, 2025, a significant gathering of nearly 40 bipartisan mayors took place at the Oklahoma City National Memorial, marking a momentous occasion in American politics. These leaders from Republican, Democratic, and Independent backgrounds collectively signed the "Oklahoma City Declaration," a robust commitment to de-escalate political tensions and reject violence and dehumanizing rhetoric. This declaration is seen not just as symbolic, but as a crucial step towards healing the rifts that have grown in the political landscape of the United States.

The solemn location of their meeting is not lost on anyone. The Oklahoma City National Memorial stands as a haunting reminder of the deadliest act of domestic political violence in U.S. history, the Oklahoma City bombing, which tragically left a profound scar in the nation’s consciousness. The significance of signing this declaration in such a place underscores the message that political violence must have no place in the American dialogue.

Declaration Highlights

The declaration itself is structured around ten key tenets, celebrating the values that underpin American democracy. It acknowledges the unique position of the United States as a historical outlier in terms of democratic governance and emphasizes the need for pluralism, compromise, and respectful debate. The mayors recognize that while democracy has fostered unprecedented freedom and prosperity, it remains fragile and must be nurtured by these fundamental principles.

1. Condemnation of Violence: The signatories collectively rejected all forms of political violence, reaffirming the need to maintain civility and respect in political discourse.
2. Defense of Civility: They vowed to uphold a standard of decency in public communication, resisting the temptations of inflammatory language.
3. Shared Humanity: The declaration emphasizes the importance of seeing one another as humans first, fostering a community of empathy that transcends political affiliation.
4. Avoiding Apocalyptic Rhetoric: The mayors pledged to eschew rhetoric that is designed to incite fear and hostility, which often leads to more division.
5. Truth and Integrity: They reaffirmed their commitment to truth in politics, rejecting misinformation and manipulation.
6. Celebration of Restraint: Restraint in action and rhetoric is highlighted as a vital component of democratic behavior.
7. Defending Against Dehumanization: The signatories collectively rejected language and actions that dehumanize different groups within society.
8. Commitment to Debate: They encouraged open and honest debate as a cornerstone of democracy, emphasizing the need for compromise and persuasion.
9. Rejection of Demonization: The declaration included a vow to avoid demonizing opponents, recognizing that this only contributes to a cycle of hatred and violence.
10. National Responsibility: The mayors' commitment to these principles serves as an example of responsible leadership in America.

Call for Broader Support

U.S. Conference of Mayors President David Holt, who also serves as the Mayor of Oklahoma City, expressed the hope that this declaration would spark a nationwide trend of similar public commitments from leaders across various sectors. "If everyone in American political life affirmed their commitment to the principles in this declaration, we would see a dramatic shift in this country," Holt stated. He emphasized that mayors, in particular, are uniquely positioned to lead by example in addressing the complex challenges that confront their communities daily.

The gathering represents a shift towards a more cooperative and less divisive political atmosphere. By sharing the declaration widely and encouraging other mayors to add their names in support, these leaders hope to inspire a new wave of political responsibility that prioritizes peace over partisanship.

Conclusion

The Oklahoma City Declaration is significant not only for its immediate context but also for its potential ripple effect across the nation. At a time when political strife threatens to overshadow cooperative governance, this pact stands as a beacon of hope. Leaders from various backgrounds are reaching across the aisle to embrace dialogue over discord, unity over division. As this declaration makes its way to mayors and leaders nationwide, it carries with it the promise of a renewed commitment to civility and the values that unite, rather than divide, the citizenry of the United States.