Birmingham, August 25, 2025
News Summary
A coalition of pastors in Birmingham has declared a ‘state of emergency,’ criticizing Mayor Randall Woodfin’s response to crime, poverty, and violence. This announcement arrives ahead of the municipal elections, where they have endorsed Lashunda Scales for mayor. The group expressed frustration with the administration’s handling of community issues, citing neglect during the pandemic and lack of financial support for initiatives like a COVID-19 vaccine clinic. As the election approaches, calls for change resonate among the pastors and the community.
Birmingham – A coalition of nearly a dozen pastors from the group Clergy Concerned about the Community has publicly declared a “state of emergency” in Birmingham, criticizing the administration of Mayor Randall Woodfin for inadequate responses to the city’s pressing issues. This declaration comes just days before the municipal elections scheduled for August 26, where the group has officially endorsed Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales as their candidate for mayor.
During a press conference, the pastors expressed their frustration with the current state of the city, citing concerns over violence, poverty, and neglect in various neighborhoods. Rev. Harold Bass, the president of the consortium, called for “better leadership” and “new leadership,” emphasizing a call for change as the elections approach.
The pastors specifically criticized Mayor Woodfin for his absence during the pandemic when they sought assistance to curb violence in the community. They accused the mayor of ignoring their invitations to participate in interviews regarding the candidates and their proposed solutions to alleviate community issues. Furthermore, the group revealed that they did not receive any financial support from the city despite organizing a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Legion Field, which required security personnel from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Rev. R.L. Patterson, one of the pastors, reflected on his 47 years in Birmingham, stating that the current condition of the city is the worst he has ever witnessed. He highlighted a disparity between the thriving downtown area and struggling neighborhoods. Rev. Morrell Todd echoed this sentiment, criticizing the city for failing to address significant social issues and injustices affecting many residents.
While acknowledging a reduction in overall homicide rates, the pastors accused Mayor Woodfin of responding to crime only out of political pressure, especially following last year’s record homicides. Rev. Guy Harris clarified that the pastors’ concerns were focused on the people of Birmingham, asserting that their criticisms of Woodfin were “strictly business,” not personal.
In response to the allegations from the pastors, Woodfin’s campaign dismissed the accusations as politically motivated and inaccurate. Campaign spokesperson Daniel Deriso pointed out that the mayor supported vaccine distribution efforts in the city, countering claims made by the pastors and accusing them of acting in bad faith. The campaign also highlighted significant achievements during Woodfin’s tenure, including a 50% drop in homicides and increased recruitment efforts for the police force.
The mayoral race features eight candidates, including Woodfin, Scales, Juandalynn Givan, Marilyn James-Johnson, Kamau Afrika, and others. The upcoming election will determine not only the mayoral leadership but also positions on the city council and board of education. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on August 26, and if no candidate secures more than 50.1% of the vote, a runoff election will take place on October 7.
Background Context
The current political landscape in Birmingham has been shaped by challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rising crime rates, and socio-economic disparities among neighborhoods. Mayor Randall Woodfin has served since 2017, and his administration has faced criticism from various community leaders regarding its effectiveness in addressing these critical issues. The endorsement of a candidate like Lashunda Scales by a prominent group of pastors reflects a broader sentiment for change and a re-evaluation of leadership priorities in the city.
Key Details of Upcoming Election
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Election | August 26 |
| Polling Hours | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Candidates | Woodfin, Scales, Givan, James-Johnson, Afrika, and more |
| Runoff Election Date | October 7 (if necessary) |
| Major Issues Addressed | Violence, poverty, pandemic response, social injustices |
FAQ
Q1: What is the reason for the state of emergency declared by the pastors?
A1: The pastors declared a state of emergency, citing dissatisfaction with the Woodfin administration’s handling of violence and social issues in Birmingham.
Q2: Who are the candidates in the upcoming mayoral election?
A2: The candidates include Mayor Randall Woodfin, Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales, Juandalynn Givan, Marilyn James-Johnson, Kamau Afrika, and others.
Q3: When is the election, and what are the polling hours?
A3: The election is scheduled for August 26, with polling places open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Q4: What happens if no candidate receives more than 50.1% of the vote?
A4: A runoff election will be held on October 7 if no candidate achieves the required majority.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Birmingham Times: Mayoral Election Candidates
- AL.com: Complete Guide to Local Races
- WBRC: Donors for Mayoral Candidates
- WVTM: Alabama Municipal Elections
- AL.com: Pastors Endorse Challenger
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- Google Search: Birmingham Mayoral Election 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.
