Mobile's Mayoral Runoff: Drummond vs. Cheriogotis in a Race for the City's Future

MOBILE, AL. - On Tuesday, September 23, voters in Mobile, Alabama will return to the polls to decide the city's next mayor in a runoff election that has drawn sharp contrasts in leadership style, policy priorities, and political identity. The race pits Democratic State Representative Barbara Drummond against former district court judge Spiro Cheriogotis, following a crowded first round that saw neither candidate secure a majority.

With the city's economic future, public safety, and civic unity on the line, the runoff has become one of the most closely watched municipal contests in Alabama this year.

The Candidates: Two Paths Forward

Barbara Drummond, who earned 13,897 votes in the initial round, is a longtime public servant with deep roots in Mobile. She served in Mayor Sam Jones' administration before being elected to the Alabama House of Representatives, where she's represented District 103 for the past decade. Prior to her political career, Drummond worked as a journalist for the Mobile Press-Register.

Her campaign has emphasized community engagement, equity, and inclusive growth. "Despite being outspent by hundreds of thousands of dollars and facing opponents backed by long-standing political and corporate interests, our people-powered campaign continues to defy the odds," Drummond said after the runoff was announced. She's framed her candidacy as a chance to unify Mobile's diverse communities and bring "leadership that listens."

Cheriogotis' Facebook

Spiro Cheriogotis

Spiro Cheriogotis, who received 11,389 votes, is a former district court judge and entrepreneur. He stepped down from the bench to run for mayor and has been endorsed by outgoing Mayor Sandy Stimpson. Cheriogotis touts his legal experience, business acumen, and family ties as qualifications for the job. "The mayor is not just one job, it's many jobs," he said. "I hope that my wide array of experience will show people that I'm ready for this job".

Cheriogotis has focused his campaign on infrastructure, public safety, and economic development. He's received endorsements from the Mobile County Law Enforcement Association and a grassroots group of firefighters known as "Heroes for Spiro".

Key Issues: Safety, Growth, and Civic Identity

Public safety has emerged as a defining issue in the runoff. Cheriogotis has positioned himself as a strong advocate for law enforcement, citing his judicial background and support for tougher sentencing laws. He's backed legislation like the Laken Riley Act, which allows local police to partner with federal immigration authorities, and has criticized Drummond for voting against it.

Drummond, meanwhile, has emphasized community-based approaches to safety and expressed concern about policies that could disproportionately affect marginalized groups. Her voting record includes opposition to bills that restrict gender identity discussions in schools and redefine gender based on biological sex-stances that have drawn both praise and criticism.

Economic development is another major theme. Both candidates have pledged to support job creation and infrastructure investment, but their approaches differ. Cheriogotis has highlighted his business experience and connections across party lines, saying he wants to work with leaders like Senator Katie Britt and Congressman Shomari Figures to improve Mobile's port and transportation systems.

Drummond has focused on grassroots revitalization, arguing that economic growth must be inclusive and community-driven. Her campaign has drawn support from local churches, civic groups, and small business owners who see her as a champion for underserved neighborhoods.

A Nonpartisan Race with Partisan Undercurrents

Although Mobile's mayoral race is officially nonpartisan, the runoff has exposed clear ideological divides. Drummond's record in the Alabama House reflects progressive positions on education, criminal justice, and civil rights. Cheriogotis, while avoiding overt partisan labels, has aligned himself with conservative priorities and received endorsements from Republican-aligned groups.

This dynamic has energized voters on both sides. For some, the race is a referendum on Mobile's political identity-whether the city will lean into its Democratic roots or embrace a more business-oriented, law-and-order approach.

Election Logistics and Voter Turnout

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Voters are encouraged to verify their polling locations, as precincts may have changed since the last election. Absentee ballots must have been submitted by September 22 for in-person delivery or postmarked by September 16 for mail-in voting.

The Mobile Chamber of Commerce has published a nonpartisan election guide to help voters understand the candidates' platforms and prepare for the runoff. While the Chamber does not endorse either candidate, it emphasizes the importance of civic participation and informed decision-making.

What's at Stake

The next mayor of Mobile will inherit a city at a crossroads. With major infrastructure projects underway, a growing port economy, and persistent challenges in public safety and education, the winner will shape Mobile's trajectory for years to come.

Drummond promises a "unified city" built on listening and inclusion. Cheriogotis offers "executive leadership" rooted in law, business, and family. Both candidates bring distinct visions-and voters will decide which one best reflects Mobile's future.

Final Thoughts

As Mobile prepares for its mayoral runoff, the stakes are high and the contrasts are clear. Whether voters choose Drummond's grassroots coalition or Cheriogotis's executive experience, the outcome will reflect not just a choice of leadership, but a statement about what kind of city Mobile wants to be.