Politics in the Port City usually feels like a slow-burn jazz set, but the Mobile AL mayor race in 2025 felt more like a high-stakes thriller. For over a decade, Sandy Stimpson was the face of the city. When he announced he wasn't seeking a fourth term in September 2024, everything changed. It wasn't just another election; it was the first time in twenty years that an incumbent wasn't on the ballot. Basically, the "Stimpson Era" ended, and the scramble for the keys to Government Plaza was on.
Honestly, the energy was different this time. You had a former judge, a long-serving state representative, a fired police chief, and a seasoned county commissioner all vying for the spot. It wasn't just about who could fix the potholes. It was about who would lead Mobile into a future that includes a new international airport and a massive bridge over the bay.
The Candidates Who Shook Up the Mobile AL Mayor Race
The field was crowded early on, but four names dominated the conversation. Spiro Cheriogotis, who resigned his seat as a Mobile County district judge to run, quickly became the man to beat. He had the backing of Stimpson, which in Mobile is sorta like getting a golden ticket. He also raised over $1 million, which is a massive chunk of change for a local municipal race.
On the other side, you had Barbara Drummond. She’s been a fixture in the Alabama House for a decade and has deep roots in the community. She was the only African-American candidate in the top tier, and her message of "One Mobile" really resonated in the northern and western parts of the city.
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Then there was the "wild card." Paul Prine, the former Police Chief who was fired by Stimpson in 2024, decided to run against the administration that let him go. It made for some incredibly tense moments during the debates, especially the big one hosted by WKRG in August. Rounding out the pack was Connie Hudson, a Mobile County Commissioner who brought 15 years of experience to the table.
Why the Runoff Changed Everything
The first round on August 26, 2025, didn't give anyone a clear majority. Barbara Drummond actually came out on top initially with 13,897 votes (about 33.7%), while Cheriogotis trailed slightly with 11,389 votes (27.6%). This set up a classic runoff showdown on September 23.
In that one-on-one month, the gloves came off. A Democratic PAC started hitting Cheriogotis with "MAGA" labels, trying to paint the nonpartisan race in national political colors. Meanwhile, Cheriogotis leaned hard into his judicial background and the "forward momentum" of the city.
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When the dust settled, Spiro Cheriogotis won the runoff with 25,106 votes (51.42%), narrowly defeating Drummond, who pulled in 23,715 votes (48.58%). It was a tight 1,391-vote margin. That’s essentially a few neighborhoods' worth of people deciding the future of the city.
The Issues That Actually Mattered
If you spent any time at the Dew Drop Inn or Red or White during the campaign, you knew the talk wasn't just about party lines.
- Public Safety: With Paul Prine in the race, crime and policing were front and center. People wanted to know if the city was actually getting safer or if the numbers were just being polished.
- The Civic Center: What to do with the aging Mobile Civic Center was a massive talking point. Cheriogotis promised to push forward with the redevelopment plans already in motion.
- Annexation: Stimpson’s push to bring in more residents from West Mobile was controversial. Some saw it as a power grab; others saw it as necessary for the city’s tax base.
- The Bay Bridge: Everyone in Mobile is tired of the I-10 crawl. The candidates had to navigate the tricky waters of tolls and federal funding.
Cheriogotis's win basically signals that voters wanted a continuation of the Stimpson style of governance—business-friendly, focused on infrastructure, and relatively moderate. Drummond's strong showing, however, proved that a huge portion of the city feels left behind by the recent boom.
What This Means for You Right Now
Spiro Cheriogotis was sworn in as the 109th Mayor of Mobile on November 3, 2025. If you're living in Mobile or looking to move there, keep an eye on his first 100 days. He’s inherited a city with a lot of "big builds" happening at once.
If you want to stay involved, you shouldn't just wait for the next election. Here is what you can do to keep the momentum going:
1. Attend City Council Meetings. They happen every Tuesday at 10:30 AM at Government Plaza. This is where the actual money gets spent.
2. Track the Airport Move. The transition of commercial flights to the Mobile International Airport downtown is a game-changer for local travel. Watch the timelines closely.
3. Engage with District Reps. The mayor has the vision, but the Council has the vote. Know who your representative is and don't be afraid to email them about local issues like trash pickup or street lighting.
The Mobile AL mayor race might be over, but the work of building the city is just getting started. It’s a fascinating time to be in the Port City, and whether you voted for "The Judge" or "The Representative," the trajectory of the city is undeniably upward.