Robert Battles has an ironically appropriate last name. He has been fighting battles for decades at the Mobile City Council, in community issues, on the ballot and on the Mobile County School Board. Now, he is fighting a battle to win the city council seat in District 7.
It will be an uphill battle, as incumbent Gina Gregory holds that seat in a newly redrawn district.
In his written announcement on Monday, Battles hinted at his strategy for the August 26 municipal election:
"The recent redistricting of District 7 following the annexation in 2023 has transformed the demographic landscape, increasing the African American population significantly, both in overall numbers and voting demographics," he wrote. "Recognizing the importance of this shift, Battles emphasizes the need for representation that reflects the community's evolving identity.
"It's time for a new face, new ideas, and new leadership that’s a servant with action, not politics,” Battles added. “The people of District 7 deserve a leader who is committed to listening to their concerns and addressing the issues that impact our community directly. I am ready to bring a fresh perspective and a deep commitment to public service.”
Battles outlined his platform as follows:
Community Engagement: Encouraging active participation from residents to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Economic Development: Promoting policies that spur local businesses and create jobs within District 7, particularly for underserved communities.
Public Safety: Working collaboratively with law enforcement and community organizations to enhance safety and reduce crime in neighborhoods.
Education and Youth Programs: Supporting initiatives that provide educational resources and extracurricular activities to empower youth in the district.
Housing and Infrastructure Improvements: Prioritizing investments in housing and infrastructure to ensure all residents have access to safe and adequate living conditions.
Change requires action, and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work for this community. Together, we can create a Mobile that works for everyone – a city where our voices matter, and our futures are bright.
In 2014, Battles defeated incumbent Tracie Roberson to win a seat on the Mobile County School Board, where he served until 2021. He did not seek re-election in the 2020 election.
Winning the school board race was a political comeback for Battles as he had lost a series of races for the city council in districts 2 and 3.
Battles has been a community activist since the 1980s. He has appeared before the city council on community issues. He is a supporter of the Africatown/Plateau community where he has worked as director of the Africatown Welcome Center.
Battles took one personal legal battle all the way to the Alabama Supreme Court, and he won. He had been arrested by Mobile Police for “failure to obey an order.” He was convicted but appealed. The Court overturned the conviction and issued a judgment of acquittal.
Battles has created a campaign Facebook page.
His opponent is incumbent Gina Gregory. She was first elected to the council in 2005 and has been re-elected four times with no opposition. She served as president of the city council. She was public relations director for former Mayor Mike Dow and former news anchor for WKRG-TV.
The Mobile municipal election is on August 26, 2025, and includes all seven council seats and the race for the open seat of mayor. Incumbent Mayor Sandy Stimpson is not running again.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama -- her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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