Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin cruised to victory Tuesday, dominating a field of 9 candidates to claim a third term.
“Know that Birmingham deserves leadership that continues to put them first … I want you to know I’m ready to keep moving the city forward with you,” Woodfin told a gathering of supporters at Workplay in downtown Birmingham.
Unofficial results show Woodfin took 75% of the vote. Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales trailed behind with 15%, followed by State Rep. Juandalynn Givan with 4%.
Woodfin said the next chapter of the city will focus on reducing violence, supporting students and providing housing to the city’s residents.
“I’m not just a mayor. I’m a dad now. I ran for mayor because I wanted to give back to the city that raised me,” Woodfin said.
Among Woodfin’s supporters was Tracy Watson. She said she moved to Birmingham in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. That’s when she met Woodfin, who worked for the city council and the mayor’s office at the time, later becoming an assistant city attorney. Watson said she likes Woodfin because he is humble and respectful to work with.
“I’ve watched Birmingham grow. I’ve watched so many transitions that have taken place under his leadership,” Watson said. “Most of the people seem to be at ease with him, with his temperament, with his intelligence, with his genuine love for this city.”
Mitch Hungerpiller praised Woodfin for paving roads in his Crestwood neighborhood. Hungerpiller hopes that in his next term, Woodfin will address crime and support the city’s research institutions, such as Southern Research and UAB, along with its businesses.
“He needs to get behind the business community and continue to help us be successful in all our endeavors and the risks that we take,” Hungerpiller said.