Mobile's Mayoral Crossroads: A Historic Race for the Port City's Future

August 16, 2025 - MOBILE, AL The City of Mobile is on the cusp of a political shift. For the first time in two decades, the city's mayoral race is wide open-without an incumbent. With Mayor Sandy Stimpson stepping down after three terms, the August 26, 2025 election has drawn a competitive and diverse field of candidates vying to lead Alabama's second-largest city into its next chapter.

The End of an Era

Sandy Stimpson's decision not to seek a fourth term marks a pivotal moment for Mobile. First elected in 2013, Stimpson's tenure was defined by infrastructure investments, downtown revitalization, and a business-friendly approach that drew praise and criticism alike. His departure has created a rare vacuum in Mobile politics, prompting a flurry of candidacies and strategic realignments.

The Candidates: Four Paths Forward

With the field narrowed to four major contenders, each brings distinct experience and vision:

1. Spiro Cheriogotis – Former Mobile County District Judge (Republican)

Cheriogotis has surged ahead in fundraising, amassing over $1 million in contributions-more than his three opponents combined. His campaign emphasizes law and order, judicial reform, and economic development. Cheriogotis is positioning himself as a pragmatic outsider with courtroom experience and a disciplined approach to governance.

2. Connie Hudson – Mobile County Commissioner, Former City Councilor (Republican)

Hudson leads the latest NBC 15 poll with 36% support. Her long tenure in local government gives her deep institutional knowledge and a reputation for steady leadership. She's focused on infrastructure, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. Hudson's appeal spans moderate Republicans and older voters who value continuity.

3. Paul Prine – Former Mobile Chief of Police (Nonpartisan/Republican-leaning)

Prine's campaign centers on crime reduction and community policing. Though trailing in polls and fundraising, he retains support among law enforcement circles and conservative voters. His candidacy adds a strong public safety voice to the race, though he faces challenges in broadening his appeal.

4. Barbara Drummond – State Representative, Former City Spokesperson (Democrat)

Drummond is the sole African-American candidate remaining after Lawrence Battiste and Jermaine Burrell withdrew and endorsed her. She's running on a platform of unity, equity, and inclusive development. With deep ties to Mobile's majority-Black electorate and a decade in the state legislature, Drummond is seen as a bridge-builder aiming to reshape the city's political landscape.

Polling and Momentum

The most recent public poll shows Hudson leading with 36%, followed by Cheriogotis at 31%, Prine at 23%, and Drummond at 9%. However, internal campaign polling suggests a tighter race, especially after the consolidation of support behind Drummond. With Mobile's electorate being majority African-American, her campaign could see a late surge if turnout aligns with demographic trends.

Campaign Finance: A Tale of Two Front-Runners

Cheriogotis's financial edge is striking. His $1.04 million war chest dwarfs Hudson's $492,807 and Drummond's $303,480. Prine trails with $161,052. While money doesn't guarantee victory, it enables broader outreach, advertising, and ground operations-critical in a race where name recognition and voter mobilization are key.

Strategic Withdrawals and Endorsements

The race took a dramatic turn in late June when Battiste and Burrell exited and endorsed Drummond. Their move was framed as a strategic consolidation to ensure an African-American candidate could reach the runoff. "This moment calls for unity," Burrell said, while Battiste emphasized the need to be "one or two" in the final tally. Their endorsements have energized Drummond's base and reframed the race as a contest between three white candidates and one Black candidate in a majority-Black city.

Election Mechanics and Runoff Dynamics

Mobile's municipal elections are officially nonpartisan, but party affiliations and racial dynamics play a significant role. If no candidate secures over 50% of the vote on August 26, a runoff will be held on September 23. With four strong contenders, a runoff is highly likely.

The key question is: who makes the cut?

• If Hudson and Cheriogotis maintain their polling leads, they could face off in a Republican-leaning runoff.

• If Drummond's coalition mobilizes effectively, she could edge out one of the front-runners and reshape the race entirely.

Issues at Stake

Beyond personalities and polling, the race is a referendum on Mobile's future. Key issues include:

• Public Safety: With rising concerns about crime, candidates like Prine and Cheriogotis emphasize law enforcement reforms and community policing.

• Economic Development: Hudson and Cheriogotis tout their records on job creation and infrastructure investment.

• Equity and Inclusion: Drummond's campaign centers on bridging racial divides and ensuring all communities benefit from city growth.

• Transparency and Governance: Voters are demanding clearer communication, better budgeting, and more responsive leadership.

What's Next?

As Mobile heads toward election day, the race remains fluid. Voter turnout, endorsements, and late-breaking developments could shift the balance. The runoff, if triggered, will be a high-stakes showdown that could redefine Mobile's political identity.

For Alabama observers, the Mobile mayoral race offers a microcosm of broader state trends: generational change, racial coalition-building, and the evolving role of local governance in shaping community outcomes.