Woodfin wins third term as Birmingham mayor

 1667141040 
1756250033
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin speaks to supporters on election night after claiming a third term in office.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin speaks to supporters on election night after claiming a third term in office.

Noelle Annonen, WBHM

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin cruised to victory Tuesday, dominating a field of 9 candidates to claim a third term.

“Know that Birmingham deserves leadership that continues to put them first … I want you to know I’m ready to keep moving the city forward with you,” Woodfin told a gathering of supporters at Workplay in downtown Birmingham.

Unofficial results show Woodfin took 75% of the vote. Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales trailed behind with 15%, followed by State Rep. Juandalynn Givan with 4%.

Woodfin said the next chapter of the city will focus on reducing violence, supporting students and providing housing to the city’s residents. 

“I’m not just a mayor. I’m a dad now. I ran for mayor because I wanted to give back to the city that raised me,” Woodfin said.

Among Woodfin’s supporters was Tracy Watson. She said she moved to Birmingham in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. That’s when she met Woodfin, who worked for the city council and the mayor’s office at the time, later becoming an assistant city attorney. Watson said she likes Woodfin because he is humble and respectful to work with.  

“I’ve watched Birmingham grow. I’ve watched so many transitions that have taken place under his leadership,” Watson said. “Most of the people seem to be at ease with him, with his temperament, with his intelligence, with his genuine love for this city.”

Mitch Hungerpiller praised Woodfin for paving roads in his Crestwood neighborhood. Hungerpiller hopes that in his next term, Woodfin will address crime and support the city’s research institutions, such as Southern Research and UAB, along with its businesses. 

“He needs to get behind the business community and continue to help us be successful in all our endeavors and the risks that we take,” Hungerpiller said.

 

Colorado says relocation of Space Command to Alabama is ‘punishment’ for mail-in voting

The litigation announced by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser asks a federal judge to block the move as unconstitutional.

Breaking down Alabama’s CHOOSE Act

It’s been a year since Alabama legislators passed the CHOOSE Act allowing families to apply for state funds to use towards homeschool expenses and tuition for participating private schools. The Alabama Daily News’ education reporter Trisha Powell Crain has been diving into how the funds are being used. WBHM’s Andrew Gelderman sat down with her to talk about what we’re seeing so far.

Huntsville is growing fast. Here’s how it’s stayed affordable

Home prices are rising in Huntsville, but so far, the city’s avoided the skyrocketing costs in other boom towns.

What are your unique holiday traditions? NPR wants to know

The holiday season is full of traditions and we all celebrate them a bit differently. NPR wants to your most unique holiday traditions. What makes celebrating this time of year feel special for you?

What are your unique holiday traditions? NPR wants to know

The holiday season is full of traditions and we all celebrate them a bit differently. NPR wants to your most unique holiday traditions. What makes celebrating this time of year feel special for you?

3 culinary tricks that might get you to eat more veggies, according to chef Roy Choi

Chef Roy Choi, known for his Korean-Mexican fusion food trucks, focuses on veggie-forward dishes in a new cookbook. He shares techniques to get you excited about your greens, plus 3 flavorful sauces.

More Front Page Coverage