Orange Beach Mayor's Race Heats Up Ahead of August 26 Election

August 13, 2025 - ORANGE BEACH, AL. - The race for mayor in Orange Beach is officially underway, with incumbent Tony Kennon facing a challenge from City Council President Jeffrey M. Boyd in the city's August 26 municipal election. The contest marks a pivotal moment for the coastal city, which has seen rapid growth, rising tourism, and increasing scrutiny over development and infrastructure decisions.

Kennon, who has served as mayor since 2008, is seeking another four-year term. Boyd, a local businessman, city councilman and civic volunteer, is positioning himself as an experienced alternative focused without the baggage and political scandals what have undermined Kennon's public persona in recent years.

A City in Transition

Orange Beach has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, with expanded resort development, increased traffic congestion, and growing concerns about hurricane resilience and coastal preservation. The mayoral race reflects competing visions for how the city should manage growth while preserving its character.

Kennon has emphasized his record of economic development, infrastructure investment, and public safety. Under his leadership, the city has expanded its sportsplex, improved emergency response systems, and attracted new commercial ventures. He has also been a vocal advocate for local control over zoning and beach access.

Boyd, meanwhile, has criticized what he calls "unchecked development" and "insider politics." His campaign is focused on restoring public trust, enhancing environmental protections, and ensuring that residents-not just tourists-have a voice in city planning.

Key Issues on the Ballot

The mayoral race is part of a broader municipal election that includes five city council seats. Voters will weigh in on issues ranging from short-term rentals and traffic management to school funding and hurricane preparedness.

Among the top concerns:

• Development and Zoning: With new condominiums and resorts reshaping the skyline, residents are divided over how much growth is too much.

• Environmental Protection: Rising sea levels and storm threats have prompted calls for stronger coastal resilience policies.

• Transparency and Governance: Boyd has called for more open meetings and citizen advisory boards, while Kennon defends the city's current processes as efficient and responsive.

Election Logistics

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, at the Orange Beach Event Center, located at 4671 Wharf Parkway West. A runoff election, if needed, will be held on September 23.

To vote, residents must have lived within city limits by July 27 and be registered by August 11. Absentee ballot applications are available through the City Clerk's office and must be requested by August 19 if sent by mail, or hand-delivered by August 21.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Council Races Add to the Stakes

In addition to the mayoral contest, Orange Beach voters will decide five city council seats:

• Place 1: Tom Conerly vs. Jack Robertson

• Place 2: Ginger Harrelson vs. Annette Mitchell (Matt Wilson has withdrawn)

• Place 3: Jerry Johnson vs. Jay Neese

• Place 4: Jeffrey H. Silvers (unopposed)

• Place 5: JoJo McCarron vs. Robert Stuart II

These races could reshape the city's legislative priorities, especially if Boyd wins and allies gain council seats. Council members serve four-year terms and play a critical role in budgeting, land use decisions, and oversight of city departments.

Looking Ahead

With tourism booming and infrastructure under strain, the outcome of the mayoral race could set the tone for Orange Beach's next chapter. Kennon's experience and long tenure offer continuity, while Boyd's challenge reflects a growing appetite for reform and resident-led governance.

As the campaign enters its final stretch, both candidates are expected to ramp up outreach through town halls, social media, and local media appearances. The race is drawing attention not only from residents but also from neighboring Gulf Coast communities watching how Orange Beach navigates the pressures of prosperity and preservation.