By Richard Kim, Contributing Writer

On Tuesday, September 23, Mobile citizens elected Spiro Cheriogotis to serve as their first new mayor in 12 years. Incumbent mayor Sandy Stimpson, who has served since 2013, decided to forgo a fourth run for the office.

The election was originally held on Tuesday, August 26. On the ballot were State Representative Barbara Drummond, Former District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis, Commissioner Connie Hudson, and former Police Chief Paul Prine. Drummond emerged as the frontrunner, earning 13,978 votes. Given that there were four candidates in the running, however, she failed to secure a majority of votes. Drummond and Cheriogotis advanced to a runoff held the following month.

Municipal elections are nonpartisan and both candidates attempted to reach across the aisle. Both emphasized their approaches to public safety and city projects. Drummond argued that Cheriogotis lacked the necessary experience to move Mobile forward, while he countered that his background in business and law made him a suitable candidate.

Drummond has served in the Alabama House of Representatives as a Democrat since 2014. She previously served as Executive Director of the Administrative Services and Community Affairs Division of Mobile under former Mayor Sam Jones. Drummond received endorsements from well-known Democratic politicians such as Senators Cory Booker and Raphael Warnock, former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and most notably, former Vice President Kamala Harris.

“I was the Field Director for the [Drummond] campaign,” said KC Crusoe, a senior majoring in political science and philosophy. “I was with her multiple days throughout the week. I was with her at the watch party.”

Cheriogotis is a registered Republican, but he did not receive a comparable amount of attention from national Republican leaders. He was helped massively, however, with a strong endorsement from Sandy Stimpson. Over the campaign, he raised more than $1.7 million, compared to Drummond’s $580,000. Both candidates pushed back on the need for a National Guard presence in Mobile.

A few students from the Department of Communication at the University of South Alabama worked with WKRG as poll watchers on the night of the election. They were responsible for traveling to polling places and documenting the results. One volunteer was Adian Lobel, a senior majoring in digital film and television.

“I was curious how journalists would feel having college students help on mayoral Election Day,” said Lobel. “But once I was introduced to Neil, Leon, Gene, and the other great wonderful staff members of WKRG, I felt inspired and motivated to pursue more in my industry. They helped us feel at ease, fed us, and answered any of our questions regarding the election process, as well as the industry as a whole.”

In the runoff, Cheriogotis defeated Drummond in a very close contest, receiving 25,106 votes to Drummond’s 23,715. At a rally on St. Louis Street, Mayor Stimpson passed the baton to Cheriogotis. Speaking to supporters, Drummond acknowledged the closeness of the race but wished Cheriogotis luck as he prepares to step into his new role.

“Although it wasn’t what we had hoped for, I was content with the work we had done,” said Crusoe. “My team of volunteers knocked on thousands of doors and made tens of thousands of calls. We did a great job of spreading the campaign’s message. The voters of Mobile chose and I look forward to the new mayor.”