On Thursday, the mayoral race in Alexander City for 2025 gained another candidate as Mike Densmore, a businessman and longtime pastor, officially entered the contest. He will be challenging the current mayor, Curtis “Woody” Baird, along with another candidate named Slate.
Alexander City, the largest city in Thalapusa County, is situated along the expansive 750-mile coast of Lake Martin.
Densmore, a local graduate of Benjamin Russell High School, has spent over 30 years in corporate leadership at Goodyear Tires and Rubber Inc. Additionally, he has been involved in ministry for more than 40 years, which he considers vital for the city’s growth.
“As mayor, I aim to listen to the people of Alex City and represent their interests,” he stated at the launch of his campaign.
“Being a civil servant means serving the community, and I believe my experiences in business and as a pastor provide a distinct perspective to help move our city forward.”
Born and raised in Alexander City, Densmore earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Auburn University, where he also played on the football and wrestling teams.
He started his career in education and coaching at Gadsden schools before joining Goodyear, where he served for three decades and left as director of global strategic planning and organizational development.
Alongside his business career, Densmore has been a pastor at his local church for over 40 years and has chaired various community boards, including those for the Russell Medical Foundation Strategic Planning Committee, Chamber of Commerce, and United Way.
He joins a competitive field that already includes retired educator Sandra Cullins, longtime councillor Buffy Colvin, and entrepreneur David Wyckoff, whose campaign was announced on June 2. With five candidates vying for the position, the mayoral primary set for August 26, 2025, promises to be intense.
During his tenure, Baird was elected in 2020 after previously serving on the city council. His administration has reportedly focused on attracting new industries to the area, although it has faced criticism regarding the outcomes of various projects.
Community leaders have highlighted the need for economic diversification, emphasizing education, road maintenance, and enhancing municipal services, spanning sectors like light manufacturing to hospitality.
Densmore expresses determination, stating he can more effectively pursue these goals than his competitors.
“This campaign isn’t about myself; it’s about the future of Alex City. We need to seriously address educational outcomes for children, promote economic development, invest in infrastructure, and elevate the quality of life for our residents.”
A general city election for the mayor and six city council seats is slated for August 26, 2025.
