Mobile mayoral candidates Spiro Cheriogotis and State Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) will face off on September 23 in a runoff election.
Although the race is nonpartisan, Drummond's positions are apparent from her voting record. In 2025, she voted against renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America, against a bill prohibiting gender identity or sexuality discussions in schools and against a bill defining gender based on biological sex.
Drummond's positions could offer distinct differences between the two candidates in a nonpartisan race.
Cheriogotis said he is glad municipal elections are nonpartisan because it allows candidates to discuss how to solve problems with people on both sides of the aisle. He believes partisan races often hamper the ability to do that.
"You know, I want to be able to work with Katie Britt as we try to make sure that our bay stays healthy and we find beneficial uses for our dredge materials with the shipping channel," he said. "But I want to also be able to work with Shomari Figures. He just extended the road and bridge fund, you know, we need a bridge."
Cheriogotis said repairing potholes and roadways has nothing to do with political affiliations.
However, Drummond has voted against many policies directly impacting local public safety.
She voted no on Alabama House Bill 7 (HB7), known as the Laken Riley Act, which allows local law enforcement to partner with the federal government to enforce federal immigration laws. Despite Drummond's vote, the bill passed.
Drummond also voted against a bill prohibiting judges from granting youthful offender status to anyone 16 years or older who is charged with murder. The bill was inspired by a man who lost his daughter to murder in 2025. Jolee Callan's 20-year-old ex-boyfriend shot and killed her. He was initially granted youthful offender status, which would have meant his maximum penalty would have been three years in prison. After hearing objections, prosecutors removed the youthful offender status and the suspect was sentenced to 52 years. Still, the father wanted to ensure other families could gain justice.
As a former judge, Cheriogotis said he supports efforts to strengthen public safety and support law enforcement.
"I don't think public safety is a partisan issue," he said. "I think everyone wants a safe place to live. They want to know that they'll be safe when they're out using the roadways and going to work."
Cheriogotis said he is proud of his public safety record. The Mobile County Law Enforcement Association has endorsed him, and several firefighters in Mobile created the group "Heroes for Spiro."
"Over my career, I've met many and I've heard their concerns," he added. "As mayor, I want to make sure they have everything they need to best protect our citizens, whether that's pay raises, retention, more officers, the best new equipment, new technologies to assist them and their goal of keeping the city safe."
"That's all they want," he continued. "That's what the citizens want, and that doesn't matter if you're Republican or Democrat or other."
Some technological ideas for fighting crime include using drones to pursue vehicles fleeing from law enforcement. While he could see stricter penalties for fleeing, drones could relieve pressure from officers and keep the public safe.
Cheriogotis said his other ideas are to reinvigorate public transportation and progress in economic development, educational opportunities and workforce development.
"I want to see good, steady, sustainable progress for our city," he said. "And I don't think that partisanship has any place in that."
To address homelessness, Cheriogotis said he wants to provide opportunities for those in need while protecting business owners and customers in Mobile. He said all citizens, whether housed or unhoused, should be protected.
He supports programs that assist people in getting back to work and offer transitional housing, but not permanent housing. He said the mayor should ensure that tax dollars are being spent responsibly when working with local non-profits.
"We have to run a balanced budget," Cheriogotis said. "You know, that's the law. And so, you know, you've got to weigh all the competing, all the competing groups out there that are wanting those tax dollars and make sure we're maximizing tax dollars for the most beneficial use for all the citizens."
For now, Cheriogotis said he will continue knocking on doors and meeting more constituents as the runoff nears. He wants to emphasize the importance of voter turnout.
"I'm encouraging people to let their voice be heard," Cheriogotis said. "So many people want change, they want progress, but in the end, you've got to get to the voter's booth to let your voice be heard, and I hope a lot of Mobilians will choose to get out and vote on September 23."
When asked why people should vote for him over Drummond, Cheriogotis said, "Because I'm seeking to unify this city and not divide it. I won't divide it on any lines. In the end, I see Mobilians, and I want to help each and every Mobilian, no matter what their political party is, what their race is, what their economic status is."
"I want to help every single Mobilian, and I think my experience as a businessman, my legal experience, my experience as a father of four, I think that separates me and gives me a broad perspective on the things we can do," he said.
Drummond's campaign says that as a State Representative, she has "worked to expand economic opportunities, invest in public education, and ensure that every family has access to quality healthcare." She previously served as a public affairs director for Mobile County and as the executive director of administrative services and community affairs for Mobile.
She has not responded to an 1819 News interview request.
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