Birmingham, AL, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham is set for a heated mayoral election on August 26, featuring incumbent Mayor Randall Woodfin against eight challengers. Voters will decide on key issues like public safety and affordable housing at polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If no candidate secures over 50.1% of the vote, a runoff will occur on October 7. Candidates’ varied focuses range from economic development to community needs, making this election pivotal for Birmingham’s future.
Birmingham is gearing up for the mayoral election set for August 26, where incumbent Mayor Randall Woodfin will face off against eight challengers. Voters can cast their ballots at polling stations that will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Woodfin, who has served two terms as mayor, will be challenged by several notable figures, including Juandalynn Givan, a state representative who finished second in the 2021 mayoral election, and Lashunda Scales, a Jefferson County Commissioner. The remaining candidates include Kamau Afrika, Marilyn James-Johnson, Jerimy Littlepage, Brian Rice, David Russell, and Frank Woodson.
To secure victory, a candidate must win at least 50.1 percent of the votes. If no candidate achieves this threshold, a runoff election is scheduled for October 7.
Candidates’ Campaign Focus
Woodfin’s campaign focuses on key issues like public safety, affordable housing, economic development, and dismantling systemic racism. In contrast, Givan emphasizes the need for safer communities, affordable housing, and creating a business-friendly environment. Scales advocates for a fully staffed police department, prioritizing aggressive recruitment efforts to attract businesses to Birmingham.
Afrika has made it clear that his priorities include establishing a substantial police force, eliminating food deserts, and enhancing small business opportunities. James-Johnson has focused her campaign on the needs of the unhoused, proposing regular “prayer days” for the city, while Littlepage, at just 26 years old, aims to be the youngest mayor, advocating unity, senior safety, and improving children’s futures.
Rice stresses the importance of ethics in City Hall and creating a safe environment for seniors and local businesses. Russell has set his sights on reviving downtown Ensley as a center for Black-owned businesses and expanding Birmingham’s city limits. Lastly, Woodson, who has been mayor since 2017, aims to further the Birmingham Promise, which provides tuition-free college education.
Challenges and Criticisms
Woodfin’s leadership has faced criticism from a group of Birmingham pastors who claim he has neglected pressing community concerns during his administration. This group has publicly endorsed Scales. In response, Woodfin’s campaign has rejected these criticisms, labeling them politically motivated and inaccurate.
A legal dispute has also emerged involving Givan, who faces a lawsuit concerning allegedly defamatory statements made during a Facebook Live session. Givan has indicated plans to file a counter lawsuit against these claims.
Background Context
The upcoming election is pivotal for Birmingham as community leaders and residents grapple with issues of public safety and economic recovery. Each candidate brings a unique perspective on how to address the city’s challenges and move forward, making this election one of the most closely watched in recent years.
Candidate Overview Chart
| Candidate | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Randall Woodfin | Public safety, affordable housing, economic development, dismantling systemic racism |
| Juandalynn Givan | Safe communities, affordable housing, business-friendly policies |
| Lashunda Scales | Fully staffed police department, business recruitment |
| Kamau Afrika | Large police force, eliminating food deserts, small business development |
| Marilyn James-Johnson | Needs of the unhoused, prayer initiatives |
| Jerimy Littlepage | Unity, senior safety, children’s futures |
| Brian Rice | City Hall ethics, safe environments for seniors |
| David Russell | Reviving downtown Ensley, increasing city limits |
| Frank Woodson | Birmingham Promise for tuition-free college |
FAQ
When will the Birmingham mayoral election take place?
The Birmingham mayoral election is scheduled for August 26, with polling open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
How many candidates are running against Randall Woodfin?
Randall Woodfin is facing eight challengers in the upcoming election.
What happens if no candidate receives 50.1% of the vote?
If no candidate receives the required 50.1 percent of the votes, a runoff election will be held on October 7.
What are some key issues addressed by the candidates?
Key issues include public safety, affordable housing, economic development, and community needs such as assisting the unhoused and creating a safe environment for seniors.
What criticism has been directed at Randall Woodfin?
Woodfin has faced criticism from a group of pastors who claim he has not adequately addressed community concerns during his tenure as mayor.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Birmingham to Welcome Kamala Harris for Book Discussion
Alabama Bill to Allow State Appointment of Police Chiefs Resurfaces
Beloved Community Leader Natalie Corona Passes Away
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Birmingham Pastors Furious with Incumbent Mayor
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- Birmingham Times: Candidates Overview
- Google Search: Birmingham Mayoral Election 2025
- CBS 42: Birmingham Voters Prepare to Head to the Polls
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mayor
- WBRC: Donors of Birmingham’s Mayoral Candidates
- 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.
