Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch will not be seeking reelection next year.
In a statement, Welch announced, "Over the last few months, a lot of y’all have asked me if I’m planning to run for another term. After talking it over with friends & family and giving it much thought, I have decided not to seek another term as Mayor of Mountain Brook."
Welch, a Mountain Brook native, was first elected in 2016. He was elected after Terry Oden decided not to seek reelection after serving for 24 years in elected office.
When Welch announced his run for office, he told Village Living, “No matter what metric you use to measure the health of the city, whether it be the finances, schools, library, it would receive A+ marks.”
On Thursday, he acknowledged the success of his tenure, saying, "Today, Mountain Brook is thriving. We are financially strong, our neighborhoods are safe and the spirit of community that defines our city is as strong as ever. It is from this position of strength and stability that I believe the time is right to allow the next generation of leadership to step up. The time is absolutely perfect to pass the torch and I have every confidence that our next mayor will continue to lead with integrity, vision, and a deep love for this city."
Welch's announcement comes just months after the city's longtime manager, Sam Gaston, announced that he will retire in November. Gaston has been with the City for over 32 years.
The municipal election to elect the next mayor will be held on August 26, 2026.
Apryl Marie Fogel is a Birmingham resident who frequently appears on and guest hosts radio programs around the state. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X and Facebook at @aprylmarie.
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