Tony Kennon Celebrates Re-Election Victory in Orange Beach, Alabama

August 28, 2025 - Orange Beach, AL. - In a decisive win that capped off a heated campaign season, Mayor Tony Kennon has been re-elected to lead Orange Beach for another four-year term. The results, announced Tuesday night, showed Kennon defeating challenger and city council member Jeff Boyd with 59.64% of the vote to Boyd's 40.36%. The victory marks Kennon's continuation of a tenure that began in 2008, making him one of the longest-serving mayors in Baldwin County.

Kennon's re-election was met with cheers and applause at a packed gathering of supporters at Orange Beach Event Center, where he addressed the crowd with characteristic candor and emotion.

"I love this city. I love the people in it. And I'm honored beyond words to continue serving as your full-time mayor," Kennon said. "We've built something special here-not just buildings and roads, but a community that stands together through storms, setbacks, and successes."

A Campaign Built on Experience and Results

Kennon's campaign emphasized his record of leadership during crises, including Hurricane Sally recovery efforts, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing infrastructure expansion. His platform focused on public safety, education, and quality of life improvements, including the launch of a city-run ambulance service, the opening of a new showcase school, and expanded recreational facilities for residents.

"We've accomplished a lot, but there's more to do," Kennon said during his campaign launch. "From widening roads to building paths, from protecting our beaches to supporting our kids-we're not done yet."

Kennon also leaned into his reputation as a hands-on leader, often seen working alongside city crews, attending community events, and hosting weekly Facebook Live sessions dubbed "Tuesdays with Tony" to answer resident questions and share updates.

A Fierce Challenge and a Divided Race

Kennon's opponent, Jeff Boyd, ran a spirited campaign focused on transparency, ethics, and a call for new leadership. Boyd, a sitting city council member, gained traction among voters concerned about recent controversies surrounding Kennon's administration, including ethics filings and resurfaced allegations that drew media attention in the weeks leading up to the election.

Despite the scrutiny, Kennon maintained strong support among longtime residents and business leaders, many of whom credited him with transforming Orange Beach into a thriving coastal destination.

"I've lived here for 30 years, and I've never seen the city in better shape," said local business owner Carla Jennings. "Tony's not perfect, but he's real. He shows up, he listens, and he gets things done."

Council Races and Community Momentum

In addition to the mayoral race, Orange Beach voters elected new members to the city council. Jack Robertson won Place 1, Ginger Harrelson took Place 2, Jerry Johnson secured Place 3, and Robert Stuart claimed Place 5. The new council is expected to work closely with Kennon on upcoming initiatives, including coastal preservation, tourism management, and housing development.

Kennon expressed enthusiasm about the incoming council members, saying, "We've got a great team coming in. These are folks who care deeply about Orange Beach and are ready to roll up their sleeves."

Looking Ahead: Priorities for the Next Term

With his re-election secured, Kennon outlined several priorities for his next term:

• Education Expansion: Building on the success of the new school, Kennon plans to advocate for additional educational resources and partnerships with local institutions.

• Infrastructure Projects: Continued road widening, bike path development, and stormwater management will be central to his agenda.

• Public Safety: Enhancing emergency response capabilities and maintaining low crime rates remain top concerns.

• Environmental Stewardship: Kennon has pledged to protect Orange Beach's natural beauty through sustainable development and beach conservation efforts.

"We're going to keep pushing forward," Kennon said. "This isn't about politics-it's about people. It's about making sure Orange Beach stays the best place to live on the Gulf Coast."

A Legacy of Leadership

Kennon's re-election solidifies his legacy as a transformative figure in Orange Beach politics. From rebuilding after hurricanes to navigating economic shifts, his tenure has been marked by resilience and growth. While critics continue to raise questions about past controversies, supporters point to tangible improvements in city services, infrastructure, and community engagement.

As the city prepares for its next chapter, Kennon remains focused on unity and progress.

"We've been through a lot together," he told supporters. "But we've always come out stronger. That's the spirit of Orange Beach-and I'm proud to keep fighting for it."