Birmingham, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham is gearing up for important runoff elections on October 7, with City Council members facing challenges amid controversies. J.T. Moore is in a runoff against Brian Gunn, while LaTonya Tate faces John Hilliard. The outcomes will significantly impact local governance.
Birmingham is preparing for crucial runoff elections on Tuesday, October 7, as two City Council members face challenges amid controversies and competitive political landscapes. The elections come on the heels of dramatic events surrounding one incumbent, J.T. Moore, who was arrested for DUI while operating a city vehicle last year.
Moore, representing District 4, is in a runoff against political newcomer Brian Gunn, currently a member of the Birmingham Planning Commission. This election is especially significant following Moore’s arrest on November 3, in Creola, Mobile County. At the time, police discovered him unconscious in a city-owned vehicle on I-65 after receiving reports of a potentially intoxicated driver swerving and moving slowly. Officers approached, detected the smell of alcohol, and learned he had been drinking prior to the incident. No injuries or additional passengers were reported, and following the arrest, Moore was taken to the Mobile Metro Jail before being released on bond.
In addition to Moore’s contest, another incumbent, LaTonya Tate, who serves as the chair of the Public Safety Committee, is facing a runoff election against former District 9 councilor John Hilliard. Hilliard previously held the District 9 councilor role from 2017 to 2021 and was a member of the Alabama House of Representatives from 1993 to 2003. This runoff presents a pivotal opportunity for voters to re-elect Tate or bring back Hilliard, a familiar face in Birmingham politics.
The runoff for District 8 features current Birmingham Board of Education member Sonja Smith against April Myers Williams, a former four-term member of the District 8 Board of Education. In the initial election held on August 26, Sonja Smith was previously pitted against a challenger, Neonta Williams, who received 642 votes (26.2%) while Smith received a notable 1,177 votes (48%). Both District 4 and District 8 have significant stakes for local governance amid ongoing challenges.
District 8’s previous election results saw Antwon Womack leading with 1,910 votes (44.8%) against Pamela Bass, who garnered 1,865 votes (43.8%). In the District 9 race, Yamika Foy received 1,781 votes (39%), while Eric Hall secured 1,625 votes (35.6%). These numbers reflect intense competition in Birmingham’s local elections, showcasing a city engaged in evaluating the effectiveness of its leadership.
On election day, polls are set to open at 7 a.m. and will close at 7 p.m., allowing Birmingham residents to cast their votes and determine the future leadership of their city council. The outcomes of these runoff elections will undoubtedly shape city policies and governance in the months to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the runoff elections scheduled?
The runoff elections are scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, with polls opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 7 p.m.
Who is J.T. Moore running against in the District 4 runoff?
J.T. Moore is running against political newcomer Brian Gunn, a member of the Birmingham Planning Commission.
What controversy is J.T. Moore involved in?
J.T. Moore faced controversy after being arrested for DUI last year while driving a city vehicle.
Who is LaTonya Tate facing in her runoff election?
LaTonya Tate is facing former District 9 councilor John Hilliard in her runoff election.
Who are the candidates in the District 8 runoff?
The candidates in the District 8 runoff are Birmingham Board of Education member Sonja Smith and April Myers Williams, a former four-term District 8 Board of Education member.
Key Features of the Upcoming Runoff Elections
| Position | District | Candidates | Election Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Council Member | 4 | J.T. Moore vs. Brian Gunn | October 7 |
| City Council Member | 9 | LaTonya Tate vs. John Hilliard | October 7 |
| Birmingham Board of Education Member | 8 | Sonja Smith vs. April Myers Williams | October 7 |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Birmingham Election 2025
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- ABC3340: J.T. Moore Addresses DUI Arrest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham, Alabama
- CBS 42: Birmingham City Councilman Arrested for DUI
- Google News: Birmingham Elections 2025
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.
