Birmingham Prepares for Historic Mayoral Election

Birmingham, AL, September 11, 2025

News Summary

Birmingham is set for a critical political moment as it gears up for the 2029 mayoral election, which could see the city elect its first female mayor since 1871. With incumbent Mayor Randall Woodfin not seeking reelection, new candidates are emerging, particularly women, amidst a growing trend of female leadership in Alabama. Recent elections highlight the need for increased representation, posing both challenges and hopeful prospects as the community anticipates the possibility of electing a female leader.

Birmingham is poised for a significant shift in its political landscape as voters prepare to head to the polls in 2029 to elect a new mayor. This election is particularly historic as it presents a crucial opportunity for Birmingham to potentially elect its first female mayor since the city’s founding in 1871. Incumbent Mayor Randall Woodfin, who has held the office for three terms, will not seek reelection, paving the way for new candidates to vie for this influential position.

Past elections in Alabama have shown a growing trend of female leadership, evidenced by the recent success of women candidates in five other cities across the state. Despite these encouraging developments elsewhere, Birmingham has yet to elect a female mayor, marking a significant gap in representation at the municipal level. In the previous mayoral election, female candidates Lashunda Scales and Juandalynn Givan combined received less than 19% of the votes, indicating the challenges women face in gaining voter support in the city.

Following the recent electoral outcomes, Givan expressed concern over the perceived lack of confidence from Birmingham voters in women’s leadership capabilities. However, the political climate may be shifting positively as many community members believe that a strong female candidate could be viable in the upcoming election.

Roy S. Johnson has initiated outreach to compile a list of women who could potentially run for mayor in 2029, resulting in the identification of 48 women as possible candidates. The four women who received the most nominations include Knight, Crystal Smitherman, Taylor, and Tyson, reflecting an emerging group of leaders who could change Birmingham’s political narrative. While Knight has stated she will not pursue public office, the enthusiasm around potential candidates remains high.

Carole Smitherman, who briefly served as acting mayor for 28 days in 2009, does not attribute her previous electoral losses solely to her gender. She noted that the electorate is becoming increasingly receptive to qualified candidates, regardless of gender, suggesting a more inclusive political future for the city. As the community looks ahead to the 2029 election, discussions surrounding potential candidates are anticipated to intensify over the next four years.

The pressing question on many residents’ minds is who will emerge as a leader to guide Birmingham towards this historic change in leadership. As community interest grows, the upcoming election could mark a transformative moment for Birmingham, potentially setting a precedent for female leadership in a city that has yet to embrace it fully.

Conclusion

The 2029 mayoral race in Birmingham represents more than just an election; it embodies the potential for a breaking of glass ceilings. With the city expected to engage in ongoing dialogue about leadership and representation, the upcoming years will be crucial for defining the future of Birmingham’s governance.

FAQ Section

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Chicken Guy! Restaurant Opens in Gardendale
Sara L. Williams Joins Singleton Schreiber in Birmingham
Charges Dismissed for Michigan Republicans in Fake Elector Scheme
Birmingham Welcomes New Businesses: Bubble Tea and Luxury Golf
Jefferson County Mayors Association Welcomes New Leaders
KPMG Grants $112,500 to Birmingham Promise for Education
The Impact of Integration on Black-Owned Businesses
Alabama Political Campaigns Highlight Fundraising Disparities
Alabama’s Political Landscape Shifts Ahead of Special Elections
Birmingham Mayor Endorses Barbara Drummond for Mobile Mayor

Additional Resources

• Is Birmingham Ready to Elect a Woman Mayor?
• Wikipedia: Municipal Elections in the United States
• Birmingham Must Level Up
• Google Search: Birmingham Mayoral Election
• Let’s Rename It
• Google Scholar: Birmingham Mayor
• Birmingham Was Black Country for a Night
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham Alabama
• This Defining Time Calls for Defining Leadership
• Google News: Birmingham Leadership

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.