The Story of How Patrick Braxton Reclaimed Leadership in Alabama Town as First Black Mayor After Years of Lockouts
Patrick Braxton was re-elected mayor of Newbern, Alabama, after a tense battle over control of the town. He won 66 votes against his opponent’s 26, a landslide in a community of only 133 residents. His victory confirms his role as the town’s first Black mayor and closes a chapter on years of disputes.
Speaking after his win, Braxton shared his gratitude:“The people came out and spoke and voted. Now, there ain’t no doubt what they want for this town.”
The victory came during Newbern’s first official mayoral election in decades, held under a federal settlement that followed a lawsuit filed by Black residents.
For more than 60 years, Newbern never held public elections. Instead, officials passed power down through appointments. Outgoing mayors selected successors who then chose council members. This system created an almost entirely White leadership despite the fact that Black residents outnumber White residents two to one.
Only one Black person had ever served on the town council before Braxton stepped in. Frustrated by the lack of representation, Braxton, a volunteer firefighter, decided to run for mayor in 2020. He said he wanted the town government to address the needs of the Black community.
However, his journey was far from smooth. Though he ran unopposed, town officials resisted his election and denied him access to town hall and finances.
After being declared mayor-elect in 2020, Braxtonfaced immediate pushback. The locks on town hall were changed several times, and he was barred from official duties. In his lawsuit, Braxton accused outgoing council members of holding secret meetings to keep themselves in power.
“I didn’t get a chance to serve but one year out of the five years,”Braxton said. His legal fight lasted three years before he was able to finally occupy the mayor’s office.
Town officials denied wrongdoing, arguing that Braxton’s claim was “invalid.” Still, the case highlighted the town’s broken system and attracted national attention.
The legal settlement required Newbern to hold aproper election in 2025. This marked the town’s first open vote since at least the 1960s. Braxton faced one challenger, a White auctioneer and Realtor named Laird Cole.
The outcome was decisive. Braxton’s wide margin of victory showed that residents supported his leadership. Civil rights advocates also hailed the win. Madison Hollon of the SPLC Action Fund said,“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.”
A Fresh Start for NewbernBraxton said his second win removes any doubts about his place as mayor.“It feels good the second time,”he noted, confident that his leadership will move the town forward.
For a community that has struggled with exclusion and mistrust, the election marks a new beginning. With a mayor chosen by the people rather than by backroom decisions, Newbern is stepping into a more open and democratic future.
Credit: ABC News – The Walt Disney Company
