MOBILE — Paul Prine, the former chief of police for Mobile, formally announced he is running for mayor after months of speculation.
"Today is the day I announce my candidacy for mayor," Prine said. "Today is a great day for the City of Mobile.
Dozens of supporters stood behind Prine as he spoke at Government Plaza.
"You see behind me what truly represents every citizen in Mobile," Prine said. "This truly is what unity looks like. I'm excited to be here today. I thank you."
Prine said it would take that kind of unity to make a difference in Mobile, and he believes he is the man for the job.
"In order for Mobile to really be greater, this entire community must be united by the same goals and practices for our community to thrive," Prine added.
The campaign's three pillars are reducing crime, career development and continued economic growth with an emphasis on addressing homelessness.
Prine said he would take a "safety first" approach to leading the city. He said he wants to ensure the city has the resources needed to provide services and prevent violence with a zero-tolerance stance. He also wants to create a state-of-the-art career development center to help young Mobilians develop the skills to provide for their families. While focusing on infrastructure, Prine said addressing homelessness and mental health treatment is important.
"Paul Prine is a champion of the people," he said.
Prine was fired in 2024 after a contentious and public argument with city leadership, whom he said conspired to have him ousted after he acted as a whistleblower regarding what he called possible improprieties. In a lawsuit against Mayor Sandy Stimpson, the city council and attorneys involved in a review of the police department's policies and procedures, Prine alleges that the review was all part of the elaborate setup.
Following his termination, Prine gained support and popularity. On his "Prine Time" podcast, Prine said the priority has to be fighting crime in the city.
During his time with the Mobile Police Department, Prine survived being shot three times while responding to a domestic violence call. He said that during his time as chief, crime dropped overall.
Stimpson announced he would not seek re-election last September. Since then, former Mobile County district judge Spiro Cheriogotis, Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson, Former public safety director and Police Chief Lawrence Battiste, former County Commissioner Stephen Nodine and State Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) have officially announced they're running for mayor.
Prine vowed to run a clean campaign and called on other candidates to do the same.
Mobile's municipal election will be August 26. If required, a runoff would be held in September, and the next mayor will take office on November 3.
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