June 10 was the first day that candidates for 2025 municipal elections across Alabama could officially qualify to run – the opening day of qualifying. One would think that more candidates would be added to the field that day. In Mobile, just the opposite happened.
Former Mobile County Commissioner and former Mobile City Councilman Stephen Nodine suspended his campaign for mayor of Mobile on Tuesday.
Nodine blamed a delay in obtaining a hearing on his petition for clearance from the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles to serve as mayor. Nodine was seeking clearance on state convictions to which he had pleaded guilty. He says he needed the clearance before the August 26 Mobile municipal election. On June 10, he stated that he could not obtain the clearance before August 26 and was suspending his campaign.
Nodine appeared to be an upwardly mobile star in Mobile politics before a murder charge sidetracked his political aspirations. Baldwin County prosecutors alleged in 2010 that Nodine killed his girlfriend, Angel Downs, who was shot outside her Baldwin County home. Downs had a history of a suicide attempt, and a coroner found her cause of death was "consistent with suicide." The jury was unable to reach a verdict, and a mistrial was declared.
In an apparent plea bargain agreement that avoided any retrial for murder, Nodine pleaded guilty to far lesser charges. Nodine was not retried for murder. He spent time in prison on the lesser charges. It is those charges that Nodine now seeks to clear.
Nodine was also working toward a presidential pardon for a federal gun charge that prosecutors brought during the murder investigation.
Nodine announced for mayor in February. He has spoken at mayoral forums alongside six other candidates.
Nodine issued the following letter announcing a “suspension” of his campaign:
Stephen Nodine Suspends Race for Mayor June 10, 2025
From the outset of this campaign, my purpose has been clear: to draw from my experience as a public servant — on the Mobile City Council (2001-2004), as a Mobile County Commissioner (2004-2010), and in service to my country — and to offer forward-thinking, results-driven leadership for the citizens of Mobile. During my time in office, I had the privilege of helping lay the foundation for transformative projects like Airbus, Austal, and SAAB (formerly ThyssenKrupp).
While others now seek to take credit for these successes, I was in the room when critical decisions were made. I helped write the checks and negotiate the incentives that brought these game-changing industries to Mobile. Unfortunately, in the years since, Mobile has become stagnant, insulated, and too often stuck in "business as usual." My candidacy has always been rooted in a deep love of this community and a desire to serve once again.
From day one, I understood this would not be an easy path. Empowered with the trust of the voters, and strong support from our police and firefighters, I was confident we could deliver real progress and lasting reforms that improve public safety and honor the work of our men and women in uniform. I’m also proud that many of the core issues I have raised throughout this campaign have now become central talking points for others in the race:
• The need for Mobile to compete with Baldwin County for jobs, growth, and opportunity.
• Consolidating services to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.
• Instituting a comprehensive Employees Health Care Committee.
• Appointing proven, independent leadership for the Mobile Police Department — free from political interference.
• Holding unelected boards, such as MAWSS and Big Creek Lake authorities, accountable for their power to raise fees and restrict property rights.
I’ve also never shied away from the most difficult chapter of my public life: my wrongful prosecution in 2010. The reality is that I faced unprecedented legal challenges, including being the only person in Baldwin County history to face felony charges related to an indigent form.
My federal conviction under 922(g)(3) has since been ruled unconstitutional, and my record is well-documented in official pardon hearings. Despite every obstacle, I’ve worked diligently and transparently to clear my name, following every rule, every deadline, and every required step to secure my full pardon. My legal team, led by Pascal Bruijn, has uncovered and overcome systemic errors, misclassifications, and external interference that complicated my process — including a felony misclassification that persisted for over 15 years. We’ve documented improper delays, missing filings, and undue influence involving political operatives connected to current candidates in this race. Even as recently as two weeks ago, my Pardon Investigation revealed the extent of the flawed record-keeping that has haunted my case. And despite my request, the expedited pardon review has been denied without explanation or appeal.
Because of these unresolved legal technicalities, the State of Alabama will not be able to hear my pardon application before the August 26th election. Therefore, out of respect for the voters and the integrity of this race, I believe it would be a disservice to remain a candidate at this time. This is not the end of my commitment to Mobile. I remain deeply grateful for the overwhelming support I have received from so many who know my heart for service. I will continue to explore ways to contribute to my community, and I firmly believe that serving one’s city, state, and country remains the highest calling. The work to restore Mobile’s leadership and future prosperity is far from over — and I intend to remain part of the conversation. Let’s Make Mobile Great Again.
Nodine’s campaign suspension leaves six announced candidates for Mobile mayor — Lawrence Battiste, Jermaine Burrell, Spiro Cheriogotis, Barbara Drummond, Connie Hudson and Paul Prine. They are seeking the open seat to follow retiring Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, who declined to run again for a fourth term.
Stimpson was first elected in 2012.
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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