Former Mobile Councilman and County Commissioner Stephen “Steve” Nodine announced his candidacy for Mobile mayor.
The controversial figure is the first to officially announce his running since Mayor Sandy Stimpson said he would not seek re-election.
Nodine was previously sentenced to two years in prison for perjury and harassment in what he called political persecution after he planned to run for mayor in 2010.
He said prosecutors tried to tie him to the death of his then-girlfriend Angel Downs after she was found dead from a gunshot wound in the driveway of her Gulf Shores townhome.
Nodine is running on the motto, “Make Mobile Great Again,” has and compared his legal struggles to those of president-elect Donald Trump.
“I thank many of you who are posting and respect those who may oppose a potential comeback after the LAWFARE that started,” he stated. “My downfall, which much is to be attributed to my own actions and reckless actions.
“President Trump has gone through the same thing I am many other young men and women in the justice circus,” he added.
“I hope, if anything else I can contribute in my life as opposed to the ‘haters’ whom have never done anything for their communities other than being haters, kiss my ass!”
Nodine was originally charged with murder, but the trial ended in a hung jury, and he pleaded guilty to lesser charges.
The story was featured on “Accident, Suicide or Murder,” after producers promised Nodine some of the most pertinent information that no one has ever heard would be included in the special.
UPDATE: Nodine, who says he wants to run for Mobile Mayor in 2025, says his social media announcement was unofficial and he plans to make an official announcement at a later time.
While he previously posted that he wants to contribute to his community and that his haters can “kiss my ass.” Nodine says he regrets the wording and doesn’t want to be offensive to anyone.
He changed the wording on his Facebook post to, “Bless your heart.” He told 1819 News that in his younger years, he would've used that type of language but now that he's older and wiser, he wants to take the high road.
As for an official announcement, Nodine said he plans to make one in the coming weeks.
“I posted a yard sign that someone made me on Facebook,” he said. “I have been in politics a long time and I would’ve had a press release to come out if it was an official announcement.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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