Botwc Firsts

History Made: Randall Woodfin Elected As Birmingham's New Mayor

4th October 2017 by BOTWC Staff

History Made: Randall Woodfin Elected As Birmingham's New Mayor

Photo via: Randall Woodfin 

There's a new mayor in Birmingham, Alabama as 36-year-old Randall Woodfin defeated two-term Democratic incumbent Mayor William Bell for the city's highest elected office. Now, Woodfin, a Morehouse graduate, attorney, and former school board member president, will become the city's youngest mayor in modern history. 

Pictured: Woodfin celebrating with his mother Cynthia Woodfin-Kellum after his historic win (Photo credit: Joe Songer).   

"I think this is a historic night for our city, for our community," Woodfin said. "I think how people run campaigns is a glimpse into how they govern. We made this campaign 100 percent about the people of Birmingham, focusing on their issues, their struggles, their desires for the direction of the city. I am happy for all of the people who live in our city. I am honored."

In his mayoral race, the political newcomer established a goal to bring a "people-first vision for all 99 neighborhoods" and serve the needs of less privileged residents. Last month, Woodfin shared a plan detailing what he would do in his first 100 days in office. Starting with three transformative changes (audit, transparency, and eliminating nepotism) Woodfin said he plans to implement a "comprehensive strategy to clean and open up city finances" and reduce the size of the Mayor's office and redistribute funds to police and public works employees. 

Photo credit: Joe Songer

"There's not a shortage of funding in Birmingham," Woodfin told HuffPost. "There's a shortage of priorities and a vision to move the city forward with tax dollars in an appropriate and transparent way."

Woodfin defeated Bell 58 percent (24,910 votes) to 41 percent  (17,353 votes). 

"Today is a new day for Birmingham. We successfully ran a progressive grassroots campaign inspired by the people of Birmingham," Woodfin said. "Working Families Party has been essential in this effort. With their help, we were able to create a grassroots enthusiasm that spread throughout Birmingham and across the country."

Congratulations, Mayor-elect Woodfin! Cheers to the future. 

Woodfin is set to begin his four-year term Tuesday, November 28. 

Related Posts

This Couple Paid Off $300,000 In Debt In Less Than 5 Years This Couple Paid Off $300,000 In Debt In Less Than 5 Years
This Couple Paid Off $300,000 In Debt In Less Than 5 Years
Now, they are couple goals! Pharmacists and husband and wife duo, Dr. Bryant and Alexandria Watson, have been prescri...
Read More
One of the First Black Watchmakers in Pittsburgh Celebrated His 103rd Birthday One of the First Black Watchmakers in Pittsburgh Celebrated His 103rd Birthday
One of the First Black Watchmakers in Pittsburgh Celebrated His 103rd Birthday
Give him his flowers! Centenarian Charles S. Wiggins has lived a long and distinguished life in Pittsburgh, and on Se...
Read More
This 12-Year-Old Is A College Sophomore And A Member Of Mensa This 12-Year-Old Is A College Sophomore And A Member Of Mensa
This 12-Year-Old Is A College Sophomore And A Member Of Mensa
Living proof that you're never too young! Meet Caleb Anderson, the Georgia pre-teen who's already a college sophomore...
Read More