Lashunda Scales Launches Second Mayoral Bid, Vows to Restore Birmingham's Promise

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales has officially entered the race for Mayor of Birmingham, reigniting her push to become the city's first female mayor. Standing in front of a blighted home in Collegeville, Scales declared her candidacy on May 27, 2025, with a message aimed squarely at reversing Birmingham's decline and restoring its reputation as a thriving Southern city.

Scales, a two-term commissioner and former Birmingham City Council member, previously ran for mayor in 2021, finishing second to incumbent Randall Woodfin. This time, she says, the stakes are higher and the city's challenges more urgent. "We have had failed, broken promises," Scales said. "I know that my people are ready. They are ready not just for the first woman mayor. They are ready to see change - change that they can actually believe in".

Platform Priorities

Scales' campaign centers on revitalizing Birmingham through bold leadership and community-first policies. Her key priorities include:

- Urban Blight: Targeting abandoned and burned-out structures that she says are "a sign Birmingham is on life support".

- Crime Reduction: Responding to record-high homicide rates and advocating for stronger public safety measures.

- Economic Development: Streamlining online business processes and attracting new revenue streams to offset federal funding losses.

- Neighborhood Equity: Promoting balanced growth across all 99 neighborhoods, especially underserved areas in North, East, and West Birmingham.

- State Autonomy: Opposing state takeovers of local institutions like the Birmingham Water Works and police department, which she says reflect perceived weak leadership.

Scales has also warned that without decisive action, Birmingham risks further erosion of its autonomy and influence. "The power rests with the mayor," she said. "When you're talking about economic growth, public safety, and basic services - that's where the buck stops".

A Familiar Challenger with a Renewed Message

Scales' campaign is rooted in her deep ties to Birmingham and her belief that the city can reclaim its place as a leader in the South. "I was born in Birmingham, raised in Birmingham, and Birmingham makes up 47% of my commission district," she said. "It is worth me getting out here and continuing on for what I stood for over 7½ years ago".

She joins a crowded field that includes Mayor Randall Woodfin, State Rep. Juandalynn Givan, activist Kamau Afrika, nonprofit leader Frank Woodson, and others. The election is set for August 26, 2025, and voters will be weighing candidates' records, visions, and ability to deliver results.