State Representative Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, has challenged her opponents in the Mobile mayoral race to participate in a series of two televised debates ahead of next month’s election.
“Being mayor isn’t about 30‑second TV spots bankrolled by outside donors,” Drummond said in a statement Wednesday. “It’s about standing on the front line, answering tough questions from people, explaining a clear pathway forward, and leading with proven experience. I’m ready to do that today, and I believe anyone seeking this office should be just as willing.”
“Money can buy ads, but it can’t buy leadership. Mobile’s voters deserve to see each candidate think on their feet, not hide behind talking points,” she added.
In an official press release, Drummond’s campaign reported that they are coordinating with local television, radio and digital news outlets to help organize and broadcast two televised debates in late August. The proposed format would include live, independent fact-checking, opening statements, moderated questions from journalists, and a public Q&A segment.
“I’ve spent my whole life here, reporting on Mobile’s stories, balancing the city’s books, and writing laws that move Alabama forward,” Drummond added. “That background gives me an edge when it comes to hard, honest conversations about public safety, economic growth, and neighborhood revitalization. If you’re not ready to have those conversations in front of the people, you’re not ready to be mayor.”
In addition to Drummond, three other candidates remain in the running to be Mobile’s next mayor: former Mobile County District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis, Mobile County commissioner and former Mobile city councilor Connie Hudson, and former Mobile Chief of Police Paul Prine.
Three other candidates—former Mobile Public Safety Director Lawrence Battiste, former city councilor Jermaine Burrell and Stephen Nodine, a convicted felon who previously served as city councilor and Mobile County commissioner—have already withdrawn their candidacies, with both Battiste and Burrell endorsing Drummond.
This year’s election marks the first time there has been an open-seat contest for Mobile mayor in 20 years. If no single candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote during the August 26 general election, then the race will go to a runoff election on September 23.
