Birmingham, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham City Council saw significant changes in recent runoff elections, with incumbent J.T. Moore losing his re-election bid amid controversies. Challenger Brian Gunn took the District 4 seat decisively. LaTonya Tate and Sonja Smith retained their positions in Districts 9 and 8, respectively. Meanwhile, the Birmingham Board of Education also saw new leadership, as Yamika Foy and Neonta Williams secured victories, indicating a shift in local governance preferences in Birmingham as voters made their voices heard.
Birmingham City Council incumbent J.T. Moore lost his bid for re-election in a runoff on Tuesday night, October 7. Moore’s campaign was overshadowed by his arrest last year for driving under the influence (DUI) while operating a city vehicle. Challenger Brian Gunn decisively won the District 4 seat, securing over 67% of the vote, with a tally of 676 votes compared to Moore’s 323, as reported with 99% of the total counted.
In the same election night, another notable outcome was LaTonya Tate successfully retaining her District 9 seat in the Birmingham City Council, receiving more than 55% of the votes cast. With 99% of the votes counted, Tate garnered a total of 921 votes against her opponent’s 734.
The runoff elections also included the race for the District 8 council seat, as incumbent Carol Clarke chose not to seek re-election. Sonja Smith emerged victorious in this race, obtaining 55% of the vote, totaling 867 to 692 against her opponent.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin publicly supported Smith during her campaign, which potentially contributed to her success in the runoff election. The final tallies reflect a shift in some council seats as constituents made their electoral choices.
In addition to the City Council elections, the Birmingham Board of Education held runoffs for three seats. Yamika Foy claimed victory in the District 9 seat on the school board with an impressive 69% of the overall vote, defeating Eric Hall with a tally of 1,126 to 485. Similarly, Neonta Williams won the District 2 seat by securing 53% of the votes against Terry Michal, accumulating 226 votes compared to 197.
The District 8 school board race saw a narrower margin, where Antwon Womack led Pamela Bass by just 25 votes. As of the latest counts, Womack had 755 votes while Bass had 730, with 99% of the total votes reported.
This runoff election marked significant changes in both the City Council and Board of Education as Birmingham voters made their preferences known. The outcomes indicate areas of support and opposition within the community, particularly in the face of recent controversies surrounding candidates.
As the new council members and school board representatives assume their roles, the impact of these electoral decisions will unfold in the coming months, shaping policies and governance in Birmingham.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who lost the re-election bid in Birmingham City Council?
Birmingham City Council incumbent J.T. Moore lost his bid for re-election in a runoff on Tuesday night, October 7.
What was the reason behind J.T. Moore’s loss?
Moore was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in a city vehicle last year.
What were the election results for District 4?
Challenger Brian Gunn won decisively with over 67% of the vote (676-323), with 99% of the tally in.
Who retained their seat in District 9?
Another incumbent council member, LaTonya Tate, retained her seat for District 9, receiving more than 55% of the vote (921-734), also with 99% counted.
Who won the District 8 seat on the City Council?
Sonja Smith won the seat with 55% of the vote (867-692).
@end faq section –>
| Position | Candidates | Vote Totals | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| District 4 | Brian Gunn vs. J.T. Moore | 676 – 323 | 67% – 33% |
| District 9 (Council) | LaTonya Tate vs. Opponent | 921 – 734 | 55% – 45% |
| District 8 (Council) | Sonja Smith vs. Opponent | 867 – 692 | 55% – 45% |
| District 9 (School Board) | Yamika Foy vs. Eric Hall | 1,126 – 485 | 69% – 31% |
| District 2 (School Board) | Neonta Williams vs. Terry Michal | 226 – 197 | 53% – 47% |
| District 8 (School Board) | Antwon Womack vs. Pamela Bass | 755 – 730 | 50% – 50% |
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Additional Resources
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.
