Mobile Elects New Mayor
On Tuesday night, Mobile welcomed a new mayor for the first time since 2013.
Spiro Cheriogotis, a former prosecutor and district judge, triumphed over State Rep. Barbara Drummond in a tightly contested election, which has been one of the city’s most competitive mayoral races in recent memory.
Drummond had initially secured 33.7% of the vote in the general election on August 26. However, Cheriogotis turned things around on Tuesday night, winning with support from outgoing Mayor Sande Tim Pson.
As reported by 95% of precincts, Cheriogotis holds a lead of 24,714 votes, with a tally of 51.40% to Drummond’s 48.60%.
There were reports of a technical glitch at various polling stations, where voters cast an unusually high number of interim votes, prompting the Cheriogotis campaign to declare victory.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone here,” Cheriogotis stated. “Thank you to all the Mobilians who believed in this campaign. They knocked on doors, made calls, waved signs, donated, prayed, and believed that they could help write a new chapter for this city.”
While this race wasn’t officially tied to party lines, it became more polarized as it progressed. For instance, last week, the Alabama Works PAC distributed flyers labeling Cheriogotis as a “Maga Republican.”
Notable Democrat support for Drummond included figures like Senator Corey Booker and former Secretary of Transport Pete Buttigieg. Interestingly, Cheriogotis now leads a city that had voted for Harris in the 2024 presidential election by approximately 13 points.
He will succeed Stimpson, who opted not to run for a fourth term. The two had a history of disagreements, particularly in 2022 when they exchanged sharp comments regarding crime and the justice system. However, they reconciled earlier this year when Stimpson’s communications director joined Cheriogotis’ campaign, leading to an endorsement from Stimpson himself.
In his victory speech, Cheriogotis received a symbolic baton from Stimpson, emphasizing the theme of continuity in leadership.
During the campaign, Cheriogotis gathered significant financial backing. According to a finance report, he raised $81,227.89 between September 13 and September 19, while Drummond raised $59,020 over the same period.
“When we come together, Mobile can achieve great things,” Cheriogotis remarked, expressing his excitement about serving the community.
With news of his victory, reactions poured in. Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wall took to social media to celebrate, calling it a “big win for conservatives in local government elections.”
