Frank Woodson Enters Birmingham Mayoral Race, Calling for Unified Leadership Across Communities

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Pastor, nonprofit executive, and longtime civic leader Frank Woodson has officially qualified to run for Mayor of Birmingham in the city's August 26, 2025 municipal election. With a career spanning decades in community service, Woodson says his campaign is driven by a moral imperative to stop and serve - a philosophy rooted in a personal "Good Samaritan" moment that continues to shape his leadership style.

"When I was passing by, I didn't ask what might happen to me," Woodson said, recalling an incident where he and his son helped a woman in distress near their Belview Heights home. "I asked what would happen to her if I didn't stop. That's how I feel about Birmingham. I can't just walk by."

A Proven Leader Across Sectors

Woodson, 63, is the CEO of CityServe Alabama and pastor of Covenant Community Fellowship in Fairfield. He's also a co-founder of the Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance and a former executive with Mission Birmingham. His résumé includes work with UPS, Cornerstone Schools, and the Alabama State Service Commission, as well as disaster relief coordination during the 2011 tornado outbreak.

"I've worked with CEOs, faith leaders, and grassroots organizers for over 25 years," Woodson said. "Birmingham is at a pivotal time. We need leaders who can lead other leaders - not just manage, but unify."

Campaign Themes and Priorities

Woodson's platform emphasizes:

- Neighborhood Equity: He argues that Birmingham's 99 neighborhoods and 23 communities deserve equal attention, criticizing current leadership for focusing resources on downtown projects while neglecting areas in disrepair.

- Youth Investment: Woodson calls for robust educational and workforce programs that guide students toward college and career paths, rather than punitive measures. "Our sons are dying in the streets," he said. "We need solutions, not applause for locking up kids."

- Cross-Sector Collaboration: He believes the corporate, faith, nonprofit, and grassroots communities are "waiting on leadership" and sees himself as the bridge to bring them together.

Woodson also points to his mentoring relationship with incumbent Mayor Randall Woodfin, though he now believes the city needs a different kind of leadership. "We have amazing people in place," he said, "but not proven and established leaders who can unify this city."

Election Landscape

Woodson joins a crowded field that includes Woodfin, State Rep. Juandalynn Givan, Commissioner Lashunda Scales, and civic advocate Brian K. Rice. While he's never held elected office, Woodson previously ran for the Alabama House District 52 seat in 2024, advancing to a runoff before losing to Kelvin Datcher.

His campaign has resonated with voters seeking moral clarity and practical solutions. "This is our time," Woodson said. "These are our problems, and they require our solutions."