With longtime Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson announcing he would not seek reelection, the 2025 race is now substantially more interesting. Stimpson has held the office for more than ten years, but decided against seeking a fourth term, which creates a Saban-esque expectation for his potential successor.
While the length of Stimpson’s tenure alone makes the race interesting, changes in the demographics of the City of Mobile will make the contest particularly compelling.
RELATED: ‘Time to pass the baton’: Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson announces he will not seek fourth term
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the racial demographic breakdown in Mobile has changed dramatically. In 2000, 51.3% of the city was white, and the black population accounted for around 46.6%. According to the 2020 Census, those numbers have more than flipped, with 53.1% of the population black and 40.4% of it white.
This begs the question: Could a business-friendly mayor similar to Stimpson win in Mobile with these new demographics? Or will a new kind of leadership take over? Here are some names that Yellowhammer News has heard could potentially run for the job:
Congressman Jerry Carl
Congressman Carl represents Alabama’s 1st Congressional District, which includes the City of Mobile. However, Congressman Carl’s tenure in the U.S. House will come to an end next year, as he lost a primary battle to Congressman Barry Moore after a Federal Court redrew Alabama’s Congressional Districts. Carl formerly served on the Mobile County Commission, including as its President in his last two years on the Commission. Sources say Carl is weighing his options and would not make any final decisions until his term is concluded in January.
County Commissioner Connie Hudson
Commissioner Hudson represents District Two of Mobile County, which covers the northwest area of the county. Hudson has been involved in several large economic development projects in Mobile, including projects with Austal USA and Airbus. Hudson is a Republican, and is running unopposed this year for her seat, leaving her more flexible to focus on a potential mayoral run.
James Barber
James Barber currently serves as Mayor Stimpson’s Chief of Staff. Prior to his current role, Barber served as Mobile Police Chief and in the Marines. Barber’s institutional knowledge and local connections make him an strong candidate, however it’s unclear if he’d want the job after years of firsthand experience with what all it entails.
Paul Prine
Speaking of Mobile Police Chiefs, former Police Chief Paul Prine’s name has been mentioned as a potential contender. Cline oversaw dramatic decreases in crime in the City of Mobile but was eventually fired after alleging the city government made improper attempts to control the police department. Prine could make a return to public service in a high-profile way with a compelling narrative about his ouster. However, it’s unclear if he’s a resident of Mobile proper, or if he’d be willing to formally move in time to announce a bid for mayor.
City Councilwoman Gina Gregory
Since first taking office in 2005, Gina Gregory has been reelected to District 7 of the Mobile City Council four times without opposition. Prior to her time on the council, she was the city’s public relations director and spokesperson — and before that — a TV news anchor who had plenty of facetime with her future potential voters. Given her extensive tenure on the council and immense popularity, current rumblings indicate she could be interested in filling Mayor Stimpson’s shoes.
Jim Zeigler
Jim Zeigler is no stranger to Alabama politics. Zeigler served as arguably the most iconic State Auditor in history before losing a primary battle for Secretary of State in 2022. Since leaving office, Zeigler has remained active in Alabama politics and media, maintained a relatively high name identification, and might leave the door open for a mayoral bid in 2025.
State Rep. Barbara Drummond
State Rep. Drummond (D-Mobile) has represented the people of Mobile in the Alabama State House, representing Alabama’s 103rd State House District. Drummond has served in the Alabama Legislature since 2014 and is a member of key committees such as the Education Committee and the Ways and Means Education Committee. Drummond also worked for the city of Mobile prior to her time in the Legislature. Recent reports say Drummond is considering a run.
Stephen McNair
A well-credentialed Stimpson appointee who definitely knows more about the city’s history than anyone else in the field of prospective candidates, Stephen McNair could be on the radar in 2025 if he so wishes. A virtual poll sent out in recent days to Mobile residents logged McNair among its name identification question for Stimpson’s successor. Although just entering the current city administration earlier this year as Director of External Affairs, McNair’s local and state political roots run deep.
City Councilman William Carroll
William Carroll represents District 2 of the City of Mobile and has made a name for himself in Mobile politics, focusing on affordable housing and public safety during his time on the council. He’s also a successful businessman as the president of William Carroll Inc., a commercial and residential builder that specializes in historical restoration.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
