Alabama Black Mayor Patrick Braxton Wins Election Years After White Residents Locked Him Out

Mayor Patrick Braxton

NEWBERN, Ala. — Mayor Patrick Braxton has been decisively reelected, solidifying a hard-won victory for democratic governance in this small majority-Black town. The official results show Braxton received 66 votes, defeating challenger Laird Cole, a White auctioneer and Realtor, who earned 26 votes. This election closes a contentious four-year dispute that began when Braxton was initially blocked from assuming office by the town's previous White leadership.

The conflict originated in 2020 when Braxton, a local volunteer firefighter, became mayor-elect after running unopposed. For decades, Newbern had not held public elections; instead, outgoing mayors handpicked their successors, who then filled council seats. This practice ensured the town remained under mostly White leadership despite its population being approximately two-thirds Black.

Following his initial unopposed win, Braxton was denied access to the town hall and municipal financial accounts. Locks were changed, and the existing council members held a secret meeting to reappoint themselves, invalidating his election. Braxton spent the next three years in legal battles, managing to serve only one year of his first term.

A lawsuit filed by Black residents led to a federal settlement that compelled the town to hold its first authentic election since the 1960s. The 2025 vote provided Braxton a fair opportunity to campaign and secure his position, which he achieved with a clear majority.

Civil rights organizations strongly supported Braxton’s campaign. “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,” said Madison Hollon, a program manager with a major civil rights group.

Newbern, with a population of 133, is located west of Selma and is anchored by its town hall, library, and small businesses. Braxton’s victory marks a definitive end to the town’s era of non-democratic succession.

“It feels good the second time,” Braxton stated, noting that the election outcome has erased any doubts about the community's desire for his leadership.