NEWBERN, Ala. — In a historic election that puts an end to a long-running legal and political dispute, the first Black mayor of a small Alabama town has won a resounding victory. Patrick Braxton was elected mayor of Newbern last week, four years after he was allegedly locked out of the town hall by white officials and denied the opportunity to serve following his unopposed run in 2020. The election marks a significant turning point for the community of 133 residents, reaffirming a democratic process that had been absent for decades.
A Historic Victory After a Legal Battle
Braxton’s victory in the recent mayoral election was decisive, with him securing 66 votes to his opponent Laird Cole’s 26, according to the town’s official results. This outcome was the culmination of a legal battle that drew national attention to the small town located about 40 miles west of Selma. In 2020, Braxton ran for the nonpartisan mayoral position and, as the only candidate, became the mayor-elect. He then appointed a new town council, following the tradition of past mayors.
However, according to a lawsuit filed by Braxton and other Black residents, his attempts to take office were thwarted. The locks on the town hall were changed, and he was denied access to financial accounts. The suit also alleged that outgoing council members held a secret meeting to set up a special election and “fraudulently reappointed themselves as the town council.” This led to a three-year legal fight, during which Braxton was unable to fully occupy his office. He finally gained access to the office last year after a legal settlement was reached. The settlement agreement mandated that the town would hold its first mayoral election since at least the 1960s.
The lawsuit challenged what residents called the town’s “hand-me-down governance.” For six decades, Newbern’s leadership had not been chosen by voters. Instead, the mayor would appoint a successor, who would then appoint council members. This process, as described in the lawsuit, resulted in a predominantly white government in a town where Black residents outnumber white residents two to one.
“The people came out and spoke and voted. Now, there ain’t no doubt what they want for this town,” Braxton said in a telephone interview, reflecting on the meaning of his victory. “It feels good the second time.”
A Community’s Voice Is Heard
The election’s lopsided results are seen by many as a clear mandate from the community. With his previous victory being a matter of an unopposed run, the recent election provided the first definitive public vote on his leadership. The strong show of support is expected to settle any lingering doubts about who the community wants to lead them. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) Action Fund, which endorsed Braxton, lauded his victory as a significant moment for the community and its democratic future.
“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 for the SPLC Action Fund.
Braxton, a volunteer firefighter, said he only had a chance to serve for one year out of the five years since his initial election. His victory now allows him to fully take on the role he was elected to four years ago. He is expected to continue working to unify the town and address the needs of its residents, many of whom are grappling with economic challenges and a lack of public services. The town, which has a downtown area anchored by a library, a town hall, a mercantile, and a flashing caution light, is looking to its new leadership to bring a new sense of stability and progress.
Broader Implications for Civil Rights
The dispute in Newbern gained national attention as a modern example of the challenges to civil rights and fair representation in America’s small towns. The legal case and subsequent settlement were seen as a victory for the principle of “one person, one vote,” a core tenet of American democracy. While Newbern is small in size, its story is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles for equal access to governance in communities across the country.
The election results provide an example of how legal action, combined with community engagement and a commitment to democratic processes, can lead to positive change. The Alabama Secretary of State’s office provides information and resources on elections and voting rights, and the outcome of this election is expected to be a reference point for similar disputes in other communities. The case also highlights the importance of organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center in advocating for civil rights and fighting against injustice. The outcome of this election is a testament to the power of a community’s determination to have its voice heard.