Woodfin wins third term as Birmingham mayor
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin speaks to supporters on election night after claiming a third term in office.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin cruised to victory Tuesday, dominating a field of 9 candidates to claim a third term.
“Know that Birmingham deserves leadership that continues to put them first … I want you to know I’m ready to keep moving the city forward with you,” Woodfin told a gathering of supporters at Workplay in downtown Birmingham.
Unofficial results show Woodfin took 75% of the vote. Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales trailed behind with 15%, followed by State Rep. Juandalynn Givan with 4%.
Woodfin said the next chapter of the city will focus on reducing violence, supporting students and providing housing to the city’s residents.
“I’m not just a mayor. I’m a dad now. I ran for mayor because I wanted to give back to the city that raised me,” Woodfin said.
Among Woodfin’s supporters was Tracy Watson. She said she moved to Birmingham in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. That’s when she met Woodfin, who worked for the city council and the mayor’s office at the time, later becoming an assistant city attorney. Watson said she likes Woodfin because he is humble and respectful to work with.
“I’ve watched Birmingham grow. I’ve watched so many transitions that have taken place under his leadership,” Watson said. “Most of the people seem to be at ease with him, with his temperament, with his intelligence, with his genuine love for this city.”
Mitch Hungerpiller praised Woodfin for paving roads in his Crestwood neighborhood. Hungerpiller hopes that in his next term, Woodfin will address crime and support the city’s research institutions, such as Southern Research and UAB, along with its businesses.
“He needs to get behind the business community and continue to help us be successful in all our endeavors and the risks that we take,” Hungerpiller said.
Crew of fatal US military crash included Alabama father recently deployed
The six U.S. service members who died in the crash of a U.S. military refueling aircraft included an Alabama father who had just been promoted and deployed. The U.S. government released the identities of the deceased service members Saturday.
Alabama poised to drastically overhaul utility regulation. Will it lower electric bills?
The Alabama Senate unanimously voted to expand the public service commission, and create a Secretary of Energy to address rising electricity prices. A bill in the House would go even further, requiring rate case hearings and limiting utility profits.
Musher from Alabama is going for back-to-back Iditarod wins
Riches and paid appearances haven’t followed Jessie Holmes since he won the world’s most famous sled dog race, the Iditarod, last year. He doesn't mind.
Bill would move Alabama to closed primaries
Right now, any Alabama voter can participate in a primary election. Lawmakers in Montgomery took up a bill this week that would change that system.
Auburn football player uses NIL funds to open a community hub in Birmingham
Jourdin Crawford, a freshman defensive lineman at Auburn, used earnings from a Name, Image, and Likeness deal to give back to his hometown.
Ivey commutes death sentence of inmate whose accomplice fired fatal shot
Charles “Sonny” Burton was sentenced to death for the killing of Doug Battle during a 1991 robbery. However, another man shot Battle when Burton had left the building.
