Mobile mayoral candidates Lawrence Battiste and Jermaine Burrell pulled out of the race for mayor of Mobile and endorsed State Rep. Barbara Drummond’s (D-Mobile) run.
The announcement was made Wednesday in a news conference at Government Plaza, where the three leaders stood together and pledged “to work toward a shared vision for a stronger, safer, and more inclusive Mobile.”
The deadline to qualify for municipal offices was Tuesday at 5 p.m. Battiste and Burrell did not qualify.
The final list of qualified candidates for Mobile mayor includes four candidates: Drummond, former District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis, Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson and former police chief Paul Prine.
One practical effect of Battiste’s and Burrell’s withdrawals is that Drummond is the only black candidate running. With the qualifying deadline having passed, she will remain the only black candidate. There are three white candidates.
Statistics show that 47.5% of eligible voters in the City of Mobile are black, while 46% are white. The remainder are Hispanic, Asian or other.
Statistics would indicate that Drummond could lead the field. By corralling 90% or more of the black community, she could win without a runoff.
To win without a runoff in the August 23 initial voting, a candidate would need to receive 50% of the votes cast plus one vote, which constitutes a simple majority.
If no candidate achieves 50%-plus-one vote, there would be a runoff on September 23 between the top two finishers, presumably Drummond and one of the three white candidates.
That leaves the question of which white candidate will run second and earn a spot in the runoff, if there is a runoff.
Cheriogotis, who uses his first name ‘Spiro’ on campaign literature, has the endorsement of retiring Mayor Sandy Stimpson. He also appears to have the most support from the downtown business establishment. He is ahead in fundraising.
Hudson appears to be ahead in name recognition and endorsements of community leaders, including School Board member and political activist Johnny Hatcher.
Prine appears to have the most active support among conservative Christians and critics of the Stimpson administration. Prine was Mobile Police chief until he was essentially fired by the administration. He is now involved in litigation against the City.
“Mobile is a wonderful city, full of unique opportunities and challenges,” said Battiste, the former Mobile public safety director. “I ran for mayor with vision to amplify all the voices in our community and use my experience to address our most pressing needs. I fully believe that, through collaboration, the city can achieve even greater things in the future. Barbara has experience listening to different perspectives and addressing the needs of the people she serves. I believe that Barbara can bring the city together and achieve this vision and therefore has my full support and endorsement."
Burrell, a former City Council member, said, “For years I’ve watched Barbara serve our community, and I’ve seen her leadership and passion for our people in action. I’m proud to stand with Barbara Drummond. As our next Mayor, I know she will unite the city and move it forward.”
Drummond thanked both candidates for their support and emphasized the importance of coming together to move Mobile forward.
“I’m honored to have the support of leaders like Lawrence Battiste and Jermaine Burrell,” said Drummond. “This race is bigger than any one of us — it’s about building a Mobile that works for everyone. I’m grateful they’ve chosen to stand with me, and I look forward to working with them to make that vision a reality.”
The Mobile mayoral race is for an open seat, as incumbent Mayor Sandy Stimpson opted not to run for a fourth term.
Drummond is a lifelong Mobilian. Prior to her election to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2014, she served as executive director of administrative services and community affairs for the City of Mobile and as public affairs and community services director for Mobile County.
Her career began with 21 years as a reporter and columnist for the Mobile Press-Register.
For more information, visit DrummondforMayor.com.
The field for mayor has narrowed. In earlier public forums, seven candidates participated. The large number of speakers was somewhat awkward for the forum organizers and attendees. The remaining forums will have only four candidates.
Withdrawn former candidates include not only Battiste and Burrell but also former City Councilman and County Commissioner Stephen Nodine.
And now there are four.
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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