Just two weeks after walking across the graduation stage in cap and gown, 18-year-old Brandon Moss stood before his community again, this time, with a vision and a campaign.
The Fairfield, Alabama native announced his historic run for mayor on June 7th, becoming the youngest person ever to do so in the city’s history, ABC News reports. With just under 10,000 residents, Fairfield sits southwest of Birmingham and, if Moss has his way, is on the brink of transformation.
“I am ready to take on this challenge. Age doesn’t guarantee wisdom or innovation,” Moss told reporters. “I’m not going to say I’m perfect or I know it all, it will take a team of good people to be able to accomplish good things.”
Moss’s announcement may have turned heads due to his age, but his résumé reflects the drive of a seasoned changemaker. A graduate of the Birmingham Academy of Civic Engagement, Moss has served in the Alabama Youth and Government program as a youth senator and in the governor’s cabinet. He’s also held a seat on the Student Advisory Board for the superintendent of Birmingham City Schools and worked as an executive intern in the superintendent’s office.
Inspired by leaders like Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and former President Barack Obama, Moss is determined to offer what he calls a “new vision and fresh perspective.”
“The past administrations and the people that are running have done a great job in Fairfield, but I think it’s time that we look for something new,” Moss said. “I love this city, and I believe in its future.”
If elected, Moss said he plans to address the city’s finances by bringing in a forensic auditor, support small business development through pop-up stores in local shopping centers, and tackle blight by applying for federal grants to help remove dilapidated properties.
His campaign manager, Marilyn Yelder, emphasized that Moss is not taking on this moment alone. “He does have a team of mentors for every aspect, not just to help him get to mayor, but people that are helping with public speaking, mental health,” she said. “I think he will be more than prepared, even at 18, to take on the role as mayor of Fairfield.”
In the fall, Moss will begin classes at the University of Alabama at Birmingham while potentially serving as Fairfield’s next mayor. With bold plans and a passionate heart, he’s already reimagining what leadership can look like, reminding the world that when it comes to vision, courage, and purpose, age is no limitation.
“I’m running for mayor because I love this city, and I believe in its future,” Moss said.
Whether the votes go his way or not on August 26th, Brandon Moss has already proven that leadership doesn’t wait for permission, it just gets to work.
Cover photo: 18-Year-Old Brandon Moss Makes History as Youngest Mayoral Candidate in Fairfield, Alabama/Photo credit: Brandon Moss for Mayor