Mobile Mayoral Race Heads to Runoff
Former district judge Spiro Cheriogotis and state legislator Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) are heading to a runoff against each other for the Mayor of Mobile on September 23. This comes after neither candidate secured a majority in a four-way nonpartisan election held on Tuesday.
The other candidates included County Commissioner Connie Hudson and former Mobile Police Commissioner Paul Pudding.
According to unofficial results with 97% of precincts reporting, Drummond garnered 13,897 votes (33.7%), while Cheriogotis received 11,389 votes (27.6%). Paul Pulin followed with 8,186 votes (19.9%) and Connie Hudson got 7,722 votes (18.7%).
After the election results were announced, Cheriogotis expressed gratitude to his supporters. “Thanks to you, we are closer to building a Mobile where every neighborhood feels safe and every family feels supported,” he stated. He confirmed the runoff would be on September 23.
“This campaign has always focused on the people of Mobile. I am humbled by your support and eager to keep fighting for a safer and stronger city. Together, I look forward to what’s next for Mobile,” he added.
This year’s mayoral contest has turned into a significant discussion point, especially following a decade of leadership under retired mayor Sande Thimson, who chose not to run for a fourth term. His departure has given way to a competitive race focused on issues like public safety, growth, and infrastructure needs.
Cheriogotis, who left his role on the county bench, has emphasized public safety, youth violence, and essential services as key areas. He also has enjoyed support from Stimpson and led in pre-election fundraising.
Drummond, on the other hand, campaigned on governance and investment in neighborhoods, benefiting from shifts in the region’s demographics displayed during the election.
Connie Hudson, a long-serving commissioner and ex-urban council member, relied on his known track record of successfully implementing capital projects.
Paul Pudding, a former head of the Mobile Police Department, marketed his campaign around reducing crime and cutting through bureaucracy.
Notably, since 2023, the city has welcomed tens of thousands of new residents due to annexation, bringing fresh voters from the city’s west and south into the fold for this election.
