Women will hold the majority on the Birmingham City Council over the next four years
The Birmingham City Council's newest members: (left-right) Carol Clarke, Jonathan 'J.T.' Moore, and LaTonya Tate.
Starting this Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council will look a little different after swearing in three new members.
Last week, Mayor Randall Woodfin said goodbye to Council President William Parker and Councilors John Hilliard and Steven Hoyt.
“Truly, it’s been an honor to serve with you over these last four years. I know the citizens you represent are grateful for your service, and I just want to publicly state thank you for your service,” Woodfin said.
The new members joining the council are Jonathan J.T. Moore representing District 4, Carol Clarke for District 8, and LaTonya Tate in District 9. For the first time since 2013, the council will be mostly occupied by women, with five of the nine seats held by women.
Steven Hoyt, who decided not to run for reelection, said that he knows the women will get the work done.
“I think it’s wonderful. I think they’re going to do a great job if you want it done right in a way, you will get a woman right,” Hoyt said.
Council President Pro Tem Wardine Alexander said that she’s excited Birmingham voters kept inclusion and equity in mind when they went to the polls. She also mentioned that the councilors will vote for new leadership positions. Alexander said the field for president and pro tem is wide open.
“I think all nine of us are looking to what that leadership will be, and so we’ll just be able to see on Tuesday which direction the council takes,” she said.
The swearing in and election of new council officers will happen during Tuesday’s regular meeting at Birmingham City Hall.
After Texas ruling, Trump and Republicans head to 2026 with a redistricting edge
Trump has prompted a redistricting race as he tries to maintain Republican control of the House in the 2026 elections. Democrats have fewer options to counter, as the battle heads into next year.
How China, not the U.S., became the main climate solution story in 2025
The U.S. has become a "side character" in the global story of renewable energy, experts say. China dominates the sector, with positive implications for the climate and their economy.
Supreme Court to hear case that could vastly expand presidential powers
The Supreme Court hears arguments in a case about President Trump's firing of a Federal Trade Commissioner. At stake is a 90-year precedent limiting the president's power over independent agencies.
Republicans push high deductible plans and health savings accounts
A Republican call to give Americans cash instead of health insurance subsidies revives an old idea that has left millions with medical debt.
Zelenskyy heads to London for more Ukraine peace talks. Here’s what to know
The talks signal fresh support from European allies. But they follow stalled U.S. negotiations in Miami and comments from President Trump's son suggesting Washington is ready to pull back.
Tributes, not politics, play center stage as Trump hosts the Kennedy Center Honors
President Trump said he was closely involved with picking the honorees, and on Sunday he became the first president to host the Kennedy Center awards ceremony.
