Birmingham, August 25, 2025
News Summary
On August 26, residents of Birmingham will vote for local leadership in a critical election featuring contested races for the mayoral seat and Ward 1 council seat. AL.com has provided a detailed voting guide with candidates’ platforms and updates on key local issues, assisting voters in making informed choices. With several uncontested council members maintaining their positions, the political landscape is poised for significant changes in the upcoming term.
Birmingham
On Tuesday, August 26, residents throughout the Birmingham metro will cast their votes for local leaders to serve four-year terms. This election will see contested races for mayor and various council positions, as well as the re-election of several uncontested incumbents.
AL.com has assembled a comprehensive voting guide that includes lists of candidates, their campaign platforms, and updates on local issues to assist voters in making informed decisions.
Uncontested Seats
Several council seats have been certified as uncontested, with incumbents maintaining their positions. The uncontested council members include:
- Rick Ellis – Ward 2
- Stacy Rakestraw – Ward 3
- Greg Farrell – Ward 4
- Jamie Cole – Ward 5
- Kerri Plate – Ward 7
- Jamia Alexander James – Ward 6 (newly appointed)
Contested Races
The upcoming elections feature two key contested positions: the mayoral seat and the Ward 1 council seat. Yoko Brown will challenge incumbent Mayor Scott Brakefield, while Angel Evans, Mike Myers, and Gerry J. Bivins will compete for the vacant Ward 1 seat left open by Sophie Martin’s decision not to seek re-election.
A total of nine candidates are running for Birmingham’s mayoral position, including:
- Randall Woodfin (incumbent, seeking a third term)
- Juandalynn Givan (lawyer and state legislator)
- Lashunda Scales (veteran politician on the county commission)
- Kamau “Marlon” Afrika (activist)
- David Russell (activist)
- Frank Woodson (pastor and non-profit executive)
- Marilyn James-Johnson (aspiring to be the first Black female mayor)
- Jerimy Littlepage (a newcomer inspired by Woodfin)
In total, over 29 candidates are vying for nine available city council seats in Birmingham, reflecting a diverse range of perspectives and experiences among the candidates.
Other Municipal Elections
Calera is also preparing for municipal elections, where the government structure was recently altered to allow the council to elect a president and president pro-tem. Mayor Jon Graham, in office since 2008, seeks re-election against Kenny Dale Cost and three newcomers. Calvin Morgan is advocating for a council-manager government structure.
In Center Point, incumbent Mayor Bobby Scott will face challenges from D.M. Collins and Frederick Burkes, while Fairfield’s mayoral race is competitive with six candidates, including 18-year-old Brandon Moss and current council member Cedric J. Norman.
The city of Helena sees new competitors stepping up to replace Mayor J. Brian Puckett, with only incumbents Andy Healy and Alice Lobell running for re-election. Similarly, Homewood may experience significant changes, as candidates Jennifer Andress and Robin Litaker compete for the possibility of the first female mayor amidst council member reductions.
Hoover is currently facing political turmoil, with recent audits revealing possible financial mismanagement and hate messages directed toward a Muslim candidate, Tanveer Patel. In Irondale, James W. Stewart Jr. seeks re-election against businessman Ken Effinger.
Leeds is in the process of correcting voter information cards while many candidates vie for the position after Mayor David Miller opted not to run again. Midfield’s Mayor Gary Richardson faces challenges from Terry Adams and newcomer Jimmie Robinson.
The political landscape in Tarrant reflects intense rivalries, while Trussville experiences rapid growth, with council member Lisa Bright and former police officer Ben Short contending for mayor. Vestavia Hills has three council races and a mayoral contest involving incumbent Ashley Curry and challenger Richard Cheatwood.
Conclusion
The Birmingham mayoral election is set for August 26, 2025, with the potential for additional candidates to enter the race as the election date approaches. The variety of races across the Birmingham metro highlights the active political climate, as residents prepare to make key decisions about their local leaders.
FAQ
1. When are the upcoming municipal elections in Birmingham?
The municipal elections are scheduled for August 26, 2025.
2. Which positions are contested in the upcoming election?
The contested positions include the mayoral seat and the Ward 1 council seat.
3. How many candidates are running for the Birmingham mayoral position?
A total of nine candidates are vying for the mayoral position in Birmingham.
4. Who are the uncontested council members in Birmingham?
The uncontested council members include Rick Ellis (Ward 2), Stacy Rakestraw (Ward 3), Greg Farrell (Ward 4), Jamie Cole (Ward 5), Kerri Plate (Ward 7), and Jamia Alexander James (Ward 6).
5. What other cities are holding elections in the Birmingham metro area?
Other cities participating in municipal elections include Calera, Center Point, Fairfield, Helena, Homewood, Hoover, Irondale, Leeds, Midfield, Tarrant, Trussville, and Vestavia Hills.
Key Features of the Upcoming Elections
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | August 26, 2025 |
| Contested Races | Mayor, Ward 1 Council Seat |
| Number of Candidates for Mayor | 9 Candidates |
| Uncontested Council Members | 6 members |
| Other Cities in Election | Calera, Center Point, Fairfield, Helena, Homewood, Hoover, Irondale, Leeds, Midfield, Tarrant, Trussville, Vestavia Hills |
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Additional Resources
- Click on Detroit: Birmingham 2024 General Election Results
- AL.com: 2025 Mayoral Election Candidates in Birmingham
- BBC News: Birmingham News Article
- Oakland County 115: Birmingham Reduces Election Precincts
- WVTM 13: Birmingham Mayor Juandalynn Givan Running
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- Google Search: Birmingham elections 2025
- Google Scholar: Birmingham municipal elections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham, Alabama
- Google News: Birmingham 2025 Mayoral Election
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
