Sylacauga 'Santa Claus' Bryan Taunton kicks off mayoral run — 'We need leadership that combines vision with action'

Mayoral elections don't begin until August 2025, but Sylacauga's own "Santa Claus" is pulling double duty after announcing his bid for the mayor's seat ahead of the Christmas holiday.

Bryant Taunton, a lifelong Sylacauga resident, is well known around the holidays as he begins to tour the state, appearing as the patron saint of Christmas, Santa Claus. However, he's hoping Sylacauga residents will know him as its next mayor in next year's municipal elections.

While his Santa persona has earned him some notoriety in the state, he maintains a public presence in his hometown, where he not only serves as a local pastor at the Christ Point Community Church but also on the city's Commercial Development Authority. Local residents spoke warmly of Taunton to 1819 News when he addressed the city council and announced the authority's work in efforts to bring new businesses to Sylacauga and advance the downtown business district.

As chairman of the development authority, Taunton boasts of bringing the organization from no revenue to generating over $500,000 annually.

Taunton says his candidacy is driven by his deep commitment to the city he has called home all his life.

"I'm running for mayor because I believe in the potential of Sylacauga," he said. "We need leadership that combines vision with action, and I am prepared to deliver results that will benefit our community for years to come."

Taunton says his vision for the future includes growing the local economy, fostering job creation, increasing residential development and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. He believes in upholding the principles of the U.S. Constitution, family values, and a commitment to representing the best interests of Sylacauga's citizens.

Municipal elections are non-partisan, meaning no candidates must be associated with a political party. However, Taunton was openly vocal during the drama surrounding Sylacauga's Haitian migrant situation, appearing on Fox & Friends to opine on the perceived failures of the Biden administration to deal with immigration.