From The Outside Looking In: A Positive and One Last Look at Birmingham’s Top Mayoral Candidates

As Birmingham awaits the outcome of today’s election, one thing is clear: the campaign season has often been overshadowed by negativity and political infighting, at times distracting from the real community concerns at hand. The city faces pressing issues that require unity among local leaders — not just for Birmingham’s own future, but for its place in broader regional and national conversations.

One area that has emerged as a common theme is neighborhood renewal and community investment. Candidates may differ in style and approach, but each has voiced a commitment to improving Birmingham’s streets, infrastructure, and quality of life. From revitalizing neglected neighborhoods to strengthening city services, the shared focus is on building stronger, cleaner, and safer communities for all residents.

If Campaign $$$ Decided the Election

Campaign fundraising is important because it provides an early glimpse into how a candidate might govern: it shows the strength of their support networks, their ability to organize and manage resources, and the coalitions they can build to get things done. Strong fundraising often reflects political momentum and confidence, while the sources of donations reveal whose interests a candidate may prioritize once in office. Just as raising money requires discipline, strategy, and broad outreach, governing a city requires those same skills to attract investment, balance competing interests, and deliver results — making fundraising a useful indicator of how effectively a candidate can lead.

If fundraising totals alone determined the outcome, the race would likely look like this:

1. Randall Woodfin: $1.46M raised, with significant campaign spending already in play.
2. Juandalynn Givan: $198K raised.
3. Lashunda Scales: $40K raised.
4. Brian K. Rice: $19K raised.
5. Frank Woodson: $9K raised.

Several additional candidates — including Kamau Afrika, Marilyn James-Johnson, Jerimy Littlepage, and David Russell — are also in the field, with varying levels of financial support.

What We Like About the Leading Candidates

Randall Woodfin (Incumbent)

• Incumbency brings stability and continuity for the city.
• Maintains strong national relationships as a rising Democratic figure, helping Birmingham’s visibility.
• Proven record of infrastructure investment in roads, blight removal, and sanitation.
• Introduced Project Safe Streets, combining public health and safety initiatives.
• Oversaw the city’s largest-ever budget, prioritizing youth, neighborhoods, and cleanliness.
• Connects strongly with younger progressive voters, which is critical in recruiting talent and keeping Birmingham attractive to young professionals.
• Invested in BIG tourism initiatives, creating potential for sustainable jobs and small business growth.
• Seems to be a more inclusive administration gaining support from the rest of Birmingham (30% of the citizens of Birmingham are not black)

Juandalynn “Lee Lee” Givan

• Brings energy, personality, and resilience, showing she can “fight with the best of them.”
• Extensive redevelopment experience through HOPE VI and Central City Homes projects.
• Hands-on work improving neighborhood parks and housing.
• Launched Operation 122, pledging citywide cleaning and infrastructure fixes within her first 122 days.

Lashunda Scales

• Community-focused and tough-minded, with a no-nonsense approach.
• Strong advocate for equity in underserved neighborhoods like Ensley and Five Points West.
• Pushes for resident-led solutions and accountability in government.
• Recognized for outspoken leadership on infrastructure and environmental renewal.

Brian K. Rice

• Local business owner and developer with active projects in Ensley.
• President of the Ensley Business Alliance, leading efforts to revitalize commercial corridors.
• Campaign rooted in lived experience and tangible investment in struggling neighborhoods.
• Seen as a passionate advocate for small business growth and West Side development.

Frank Woodson

• Longtime nonprofit executive and pastor with deep roots in civic engagement.
• Brings a community-first perspective from years of nonprofit leadership.
• A strong voice for grassroots involvement and civic renewal.
• Positions himself as capable of fostering relationships across corporate, state, and regional partners, a valuable asset for Birmingham’s growth.
• Could serve as a strong ally for Birmingham in a Republican-led state.

What Tonight Holds

As Birmingham voters head to the polls, the question remains: will tonight deliver a clear winner, or will the city’s next mayoral decision be extended to a runoff election? With a crowded field of nine candidates, the potential for a runoff is very real — unless one candidate breaks through with more than 50% of the vote.

What is certain, however, is that Birmingham’s future rests on the choices made tonight. Will residents favor the continuity of Mayor Woodfin’s record, the bold energy of Givan, the equity-driven vision of Scales, the entrepreneurial commitment of Rice, or the civic-first approach of Woodson? Whichever direction the city takes, the focus on neighborhood renewal and community strength will remain at the center of Birmingham’s path forward.

From the outside looking in, Birmingham’s 2025 mayoral race is not just about who leads next — it’s about how the city can unite to build safer, stronger, and more vibrant neighborhoods for everyone. Once the election is over, much will depend on how candidates concede, congratulate, and collaborate with the winning mayor. Healing party divisions and restoring civility are critical steps for a democratic city where voters have grown weary of negative politics. In the end, the real victory lies in building communities.