A big part of the conversation in the 2016 presidential election was the hope that a successful businessman could solve our nation’s serious problems better than a career politician.
Mobile faced the same issue in its 2013 local election, in which incumbent Mayor Sam Jones was opposed by businessman Sandy Stimpson.
Stimpson won that election with 54% of the vote. Eleven years later, Stimpson’s mayoral track record sounds like what a businessman would get done:
Stimpson led the way for a new airport at Brookley Field, a new Civic Center arena, a new I-10 bridge over Mobile Bay, the Riverwalk Plaza, and the return of Amtrak passenger service from Mobile to New Orleans.
Stimpson was instrumental in reducing Mobile’s financial woes, cutting its bonded indebtedness by nearly $100 million and its unfunded liabilities for pension and benefits by about $200 million, leading to improved credit ratings, while also giving raises to city employees and building a two-month financial reserve for the future.
Stimpson was a supportive partner in the stellar growth of the Port of Mobile and industrial recruitment.
Stimpson also worked to successfully annex West Mobile, essentially making his city the second largest in the state.
Stimpson’s persona certainly hasn’t hurt his reputation either. A distance runner, Stimpson offers a fit and trim figure, full of vitality and action. His southern Alabama voice is soft and clear, while his attire is polished.
Yet on September 25, Stimpson announced that he would not run for a fourth mayoral term, raising speculation about his next move.
Will he simply spend his post-mayoral years quietly, enjoying his grandchildren and serving in his church? He may, but there could also be another political chapter in his life.
Consider that Alabama will nominate and elect a brand new governor in 2026. What if Stimpson applied for the job? Could he turn his “One Mobile” approach into “One Alabama?”
Or might he consider a run for U.S. Senate? It’s rumored that U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville may be appointed to the Trump cabinet if the latter wins on Nov. 5. Mobile lost U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions the same way in 2017. Could Stimpson attempt to take Tuberville’s place?
Meanwhile, Stimpson leaves big shoes to fill. Possible replacements for Stimpson in the August 2025 Mobile mayoral election include:
Outgoing U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl
District 2 County Commissioner Connie Hudson
Mobile City Council members William Carroll or Gina Gregory
State Rep. Barbara Drummond, a former City of Mobile staffer
Stimpson’s chief of staff, James Barber
Former Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine, who was essentially hired and fired by Stimpson
Stimpson’s story is one of an abundant life that certainly does not seem to be finished. You can be sure the people of Alabama will be eagerly watching to see how his next chapter unfolds.
Bryan Dawson is CEO of 1819 News. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.
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