A New Chapter for Springville: Austin Phillips Elected Mayor in Landslide Victory

August 27, 2025 - SPRINGVILLE, AL - In a decisive and historic outcome, the city of Springville, Alabama, has elected Austin Phillips as its new mayor, marking a significant shift in local leadership and signaling a fresh direction for the community. Phillips, a first-term city council member, unseated incumbent mayor Dave Thomas in a three-way race that also included career law enforcement officer Russell Starnes. The election results, though unofficial until canvassed on September 2, show Phillips winning with a commanding majority-garnering over 84% of the vote.

From Council Member to Mayor: The Rise of Austin Phillips

Austin Phillips's political journey began in January 2023 when he was appointed to the Springville City Council following the death of long-serving council member Wayne Tucker. Though new to elected office, Phillips quickly gained recognition for his pragmatic approach and community-first mindset. His mayoral campaign emphasized transparency, collaboration, and a renewed focus on Springville's growth and infrastructure.

Despite conventional wisdom suggesting that a three-way race might favor the incumbent by splitting the opposition vote, Phillips's overwhelming support defied expectations. His victory is widely seen as a reflection of public desire for change and a more unified city government.

A Shift in Council Dynamics

The mayoral race wasn't the only contest to reshape Springville's political landscape. Several city council seats were also up for grabs, with notable changes and tight races across districts:

• District 2, 4, and 7: Incumbents David Vinson, Katrina Hennings, and Sherry Reaves ran unopposed and were certified in July.

• District 5: Alec Bosworth, also unopposed, secured the open seat.

• District 3: This seat, vacated by Phillips upon his mayoral run, saw a razor-thin margin. Jeff Whisenant narrowly defeated Ted Swartz by just five votes.

• District 6: Challenger James Wolfe ousted incumbent Marshall Parker with a vote count of 129 to 77, signaling another shift in council representation.

These results suggest a reconfiguration of the council that could either ease or complicate governance, depending on how relationships evolve under Phillips's leadership.

⚖️ A Contentious Past, a Hopeful Future

The previous administration was marked by tension between the mayor and council members, often resulting in gridlock and public frustration. While Springville experienced notable growth and positive media attention-particularly for attractions like its nature preserve-the interpersonal dynamics within city government frequently overshadowed progress.

Phillips's election is widely interpreted as a mandate to restore harmony and effectiveness in city governance. His ability to vote alongside council members as mayor could prove pivotal in breaking past stalemates and advancing key initiatives.

What the Numbers Say

According to preliminary figures released by the city clerk:

• Austin Phillips received 1,069 votes.

• Dave Thomas, the incumbent, garnered just 137 votes. Thomas drew statewide recognition as Mayor for his 2022 run for Governor (challenging incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey) and his strident pro-marijuana views. For residents of the staunchly conservative small town the attention was a bit disturbing. Thomas never got those voters back.

• Russell Starnes received 59 votes.

These numbers not only reflect Phillips's popularity but also a clear rejection of the status quo. The official certification of results is scheduled for September 2, but the margin of victory leaves little doubt about the outcome.

What's Next for Springville?

With a new mayor and a partially reshaped council, Springville stands at a crossroads. Key issues likely to dominate the early months of Phillips's administration include:

• Infrastructure improvements: Addressing aging roads and public facilities.

• Economic development: Attracting new businesses while supporting local entrepreneurs.

• Community engagement: Rebuilding trust between residents and city officials.

• Environmental stewardship: Expanding and preserving natural attractions like the city's nature preserve.

Phillips has expressed a commitment to listening to constituents and fostering a more inclusive decision-making process. His leadership style, described by supporters as collaborative and forward-thinking, could mark a departure from the more combative tone of recent years.

Voices from the Community

While official statements from Phillips are expected following the certification of results, early reactions from residents and local leaders have been largely positive. Many see his election as a chance to "reset" the tone of city politics and focus on tangible improvements.

One longtime resident remarked, "We've had enough of the drama. It's time to get back to building a better Springville."

A Symbolic Win

Beyond the numbers and policy implications, Phillips's victory carries symbolic weight. As a first-time candidate who entered politics through an appointment rather than a campaign, his rise to mayor reflects a broader trend of grassroots leadership gaining traction in local elections. It's a reminder that civic engagement and fresh perspectives can reshape even the most entrenched political landscapes.

(Brandon Moseley contributed to this report.)