In a recent radio interview, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed gave a somewhat evasive answer when asked if he would pursue a congressional run, depending on the outcome of Alabama’s redistricting special session.
Montgomery’s municipal elections are rapidly approaching on August 22, where a handful of opponents seek to unseat Reed.
Meanwhile, the Alabama Legislature is considering a number of proposed congressional maps after the U.S. Supreme Court concurred with a lower court that said the state’s current map likely violated the Voting Rights Act.
The legislature is still deliberating different congressional maps, some of which could allow Reed to challenge for a seat.
Some in the state, including one of Reed’s upcoming opponents, have insinuated that Reed had higher political aspirations than his current seat in Montgomery.
If Reed did decide to run, it would be in 2024, before his mayoral term is completed.
On News Radio 1440’s "Decisions" with Kevin Elkins, Reed said he was not taking his mayoral race for granted but would not rule out a congressional run in the middle of the next mayoral term, should he win reelection.
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"If this new congressional district comes about, will you promise the citizens of Montgomery, should you be reelected, you won't try running for that position?" Elkins asked.
"I don't know what I'm going to do," Reed responded. "For one, I've got to win first. So, I'll focus on the next election. Last I checked, there's a couple of opponents out there. So, I'll focus on the next election. I'm not worried about what the state legislature is going [to] do or what the Republicans [are] going do. I'll worry about what I can control."
"But as a matter of principle, you know whether or not you will fulfill your obligation to be mayor for the next four years as opposed to leaving. If an opportunity presents itself, we're asking you, if that opportunity does present itself, will you stay where you are?" the host asked.
"I will say, let me get through this race first, and hopefully, I come out on the winning side," Reed concluded. "And then we'll come back, and we can talk about that for a whole hour."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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