Patrick Braxton Elected Mayor of Newbern, Alabama

In a powerful display of democratic will, Patrick Braxton has been elected the new mayor of Newbern, Alabama. His victory comes after a contentious period where he was once denied access to the town hall, highlighting a struggle for fair representation in the small town located just 40 miles west of Selma.

A Hard-Fought Victory

Braxton secured a decisive win, receiving 66 votes compared to his opponent Laird Cole’s 26 in the town’s first official mayoral election since the 1960s. This election followed a dispute over control of the town government, which drew national attention. For decades, Newbern operated under a “hand-me-down” system where mayors appointed successors, bypassing traditional elections. Braxton’s victory signifies a return to democratic governance for the town of 133 residents.

Braxton’s journey to the mayor’s office was fraught with challenges. After being elected mayor-elect in 2020 without opposition, he faced accusations of racism when the locks on the town hall were changed, and he was denied access to the town’s financial accounts. He alleged that outgoing council members held a secret meeting to orchestrate a special election and fraudulently reappoint themselves.

Overcoming Obstacles and Restoring Democracy

A lawsuit filed by Braxton and other Black residents of Newbern, where Black individuals outnumber white residents two to one, challenged the town’s overwhelmingly white government structure. The legal battle eventually led to a settlement agreement that mandated a mayoral election in 2025. Braxton’s successful campaign against Cole in this election is seen as a pivotal moment.

Madison Hollon, program manager for political campaigns at the SPLC Action Fund, which endorsed Braxton, called his election “a turning point” for Newbern. She emphasized that Mayor Braxton’s victory restores democratic governance, ensures fair representation, and reaffirms that every resident’s voice matters in local government. Braxton himself expressed his satisfaction, stating, “it feels good the second time,” hoping his win dispels any doubts about community support.