Alabama Black Mayor Reelected After 4 Years
Hope Restored in Newbern: Patrick braxton Secures Historic mayoral Win After Years of Struggle
Newbern,Alabama – In a resounding victory for democracy and a testament to the power of perseverance,Patrick Braxton,the first Black mayor of Newbern,Alabama,has been overwhelmingly re-elected. This week’s election, the town’s first in over six decades, marks a pivotal moment for the small community and puts an end to a long-standing dispute over local governance.Braxton secured 66 votes, dwarfing his opponent’s 26, according to official town results. This decisive win follows a tumultuous four years, during which Braxton faced important resistance, including being locked out of the town hall after his initial unopposed election in 2020.
“The people came out and spoke and voted,” Braxton declared in a phone interview Wednesday night. “Now, there ain’t there’s no doubt whatsoever what they want for this town.”
Newbern,a town of just 133 residents nestled about 40 miles west of Selma,has long been characterized by its “hand-me-down governance,” where town officials appointed their successors,effectively disenfranchising the community. This system resulted in an overwhelmingly white government in a town where Black residents outnumber white residents two to one.Braxton, a volunteer firefighter, stepped up to challenge this status quo in 2020, driven by concerns that the town council and mayor were not adequately addressing the needs of the majority-black community. Despite running unopposed, he faced immediate obstacles. He alleged that previous town leaders did not provide public notice about the election. After he appointed a new town council, the locks to the town hall were changed, and he was denied access to the town’s financial accounts.
A lawsuit followed, alleging that outgoing council members held a secret meeting to fraudulently reappoint themselves. “I didn’t get a chance to serve but one year out of the five years,” Braxton lamented, finally taking office last year after a three-year legal battle.
The recent election was mandated by a federal settlement, a victory in itself for Braxton and the residents who fought for fair portrayal. This time, Braxton faced a challenger, Laird Cole, a white auctioneer and Realtor.
Madison Hollon, program manager of political campaigns for the SPLC Action Fund, which endorsed braxton, hailed the election as a turning point. “Mayor Braxton’s election represents a turning point for Newbern, restoring democratic governance, ensuring fair representation, and reaffirming that every resident has a voice in their local government,” Hollon said Thursday.
Braxton’s lopsided victory sends a clear message: the people of Newbern have spoken, and they have chosen a future of inclusivity, fairness, and democratic governance. This election is not just a win for Patrick braxton, but a win for the entire community of Newbern, a beacon of hope for small towns striving for equality and justice.