Birmingham, January 28, 2026
A recently leaked phone call between Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales has intensified political tensions in the city. The six-minute recording reveals accusations of spreading false rumors and political threats. This incident highlights the ongoing rivalry between the two leaders, particularly as Scales has previously challenged Woodfin for the mayoral position. With public safety and governance a top concern, this exchange raises questions about the future direction of Birmingham’s leadership.
Birmingham
A recent recorded phone call between Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales has brought long-standing political tensions to the forefront. The six-minute exchange, which occurred within the last 48 hours, was described as a heated interaction marked by accusations and veiled political threats. This public revelation highlights ongoing disagreements between two prominent local leaders concerning city governance and public perception.
During the call, Mayor Woodfin accused Commissioner Scales of spreading false rumors, directly stating, “You cannot for some reason after eight years, keep my name out your mouth”. Commissioner Scales responded to the mayor’s remarks, questioning if that was the entire reason for his communication. The recording of this private conversation has been widely discussed since its release.
Underlying Political Dynamics
The recent fiery exchange is set against a backdrop of a competitive political history between Mayor Woodfin and Commissioner Scales. Commissioner Scales has twice challenged Mayor Woodfin for the position of Birmingham Mayor. In the 2021 mayoral election, she placed second, receiving 21% of the vote, while Woodfin secured a decisive 64% to avoid a runoff and win re-election. Scales also launched a mayoral campaign in May 2025, ahead of the August 2025 municipal elections where Woodfin was re-elected for a subsequent term. Woodfin was first elected as mayor in 2017 and then re-elected in 2021 and 2025.
Throughout her mayoral campaigns, Commissioner Scales has been a consistent critic of Woodfin’s leadership, articulating concerns that “Birmingham is dying”. Her criticisms have frequently focused on issues such as the city’s handling of violent crime and the state legislature’s involvement with the Birmingham Water Works. She has highlighted that 47% of her commission district is within Birmingham, underscoring her direct connection to city issues.
During a Birmingham mayoral debate in August 2025, Commissioner Scales, alongside State Representative Juandalynn Givan, intensified her critique, asserting that Birmingham was “one of the worst run cities in the state of Alabama” and that thousands of people were leaving the city. Mayor Woodfin, in response, defended his administration’s record, emphasizing progress and dismissing his opponents’ statements as lies and pessimism. He has consistently highlighted achievements in crime reduction, despite acknowledging the persistent challenge of homicides in the city. Woodfin has stated his commitment to making the city safer and reducing blight.
Ongoing Public Safety and Governance Discussions
Public safety remains a significant and ongoing concern within Birmingham. Mayor Woodfin delivered his 2026 State of the City address in mid-January, discussing efforts to reduce crime and highlighting gains in Birmingham City Schools in 2025. Despite assertions of overall crime reduction in 2024, the city faced its deadliest year in decades due to a high number of homicides. Woodfin acknowledged that more work is needed to address this complex issue.
The recorded phone call underscores the persistent political infighting and personal animosity that can impact local governance. The exchange between Mayor Woodfin and Commissioner Scales reflects broader discussions about leadership, accountability, and the future direction of Birmingham.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the key event that recently occurred between Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales?
A six-minute recorded phone call between Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales revealed a heated exchange marked by accusations and veiled political threats.
When did this phone call become public?
The call and its details became widely known through news reports published around January 27, 2026, within the last 48 hours.
What specific accusations were made during the call?
Mayor Randall Woodfin accused Commissioner Lashunda Scales of spreading false rumors, stating, “You cannot for some reason after eight years, keep my name out your mouth.”
What is the political history between Mayor Woodfin and Commissioner Scales?
Commissioner Scales has run against Mayor Woodfin for mayor twice, in 2021 and 2025, both times finishing behind him. Woodfin was first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021 and 2025.
What have been Commissioner Scales’ main criticisms of Mayor Woodfin’s administration?
Commissioner Scales has criticized Woodfin’s leadership on issues such as violent crime and the state legislature’s takeover of the Birmingham Water Works, asserting that “Birmingham is dying.”
How has Mayor Woodfin responded to these criticisms?
Mayor Woodfin has defended his administration’s record, highlighting progress in the city and dismissing his opponents’ statements as pessimistic. He has also pointed to efforts in crime reduction and addressing blight.
Key Features of the Exchange and Background
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Participants | Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales |
| Event | Six-minute recorded phone call with heated accusations |
| Date of Public Knowledge | Around January 27, 2026 (within the last 48 hours) |
| Mayor Woodfin’s Allegation | Commissioner Scales spreading false rumors; “Keep my name out your mouth” |
| Commissioner Scales’ Campaigns | Ran for Birmingham Mayor against Woodfin in 2021 and 2025 |
| Scales’ Criticisms | “Birmingham is dying,” concerns over violent crime, state legislature’s takeover of Birmingham Water Works |
| Woodfin’s Rebuttals | Highlighted city progress, accused opponents of pessimism and lies |
| Woodfin’s Mayoral Terms | First elected in 2017, re-elected in 2021 and 2025 |
| Broader Context | Ongoing discussions on public safety, city leadership, and political dynamics in Birmingham |
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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.
