Patrick Braxton Elected as Newbern's First Black Mayor After Legal Struggles

Patrick Braxton has made history by becoming the first Black mayor of Newbern, Alabama, following a decisive election victory on August 27, 2025. Braxton won with 66 votes against his opponent, Laird Cole, who received 26 votes. This election is particularly significant as it is the first contested mayoral race in Newbern since the 1960s, held under a federal settlement that mandated the town to conduct elections after decades of what residents described as "hand-me-down governance."

First Black Mayor of Newbern, Alabama Wins Election After Legal BattlePatrick Braxton, the first Black mayor of an Alabama town who was once barred from office, secures election victoryNewsOneWJZ - CBS BaltimoreAssociated PressNew York Times

Newbern, a small town with a population of just 133 residents, had not held a mayoral election in over 60 years. Instead, mayors appointed their successors, resulting in a predominantly white government despite Black residents outnumbering white residents two to one. Braxton, a volunteer firefighter, initially ran for mayor in 2020 and was declared mayor-elect without an election due to a lack of opposition. However, he faced immediate resistance from the town's white officials, who changed the locks at town hall and denied him access to financial records, prompting Braxton to file a lawsuit.

WJZ - CBS BaltimoreAssociated PressNewsOnePatrick Braxton, the first Black mayor of an Alabama town who was once barred from office, secures election victoryNew York TimesFirst Black Mayor of Newbern, Alabama Wins Election After Legal Battle

The legal struggle lasted three years, culminating in a settlement that recognized Braxton as mayor and mandated the town to hold elections. The settlement also required the previous officials to step down, although no individual accountability was established for their actions during Braxton's initial attempt to assume office. The Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund endorsed Braxton's campaign, emphasizing the importance of restoring democratic governance in Newbern.

First Black Mayor of Newbern, Alabama Wins Election After Legal Battle

In a statement following his victory, Braxton expressed, “The people came out and spoke and voted. Now, there ain’t no doubt what they want for this town.” Madison Hollon, program manager for the SPLC Action Fund, remarked that Braxton's election represents a turning point for Newbern, ensuring fair representation and reaffirming that every resident has a voice in local government.

Associated Press

Despite the positive reception of Braxton's election, town officials previously denied any wrongdoing, arguing that Braxton's claim to be mayor was "invalid." This perspective highlights ongoing tensions regarding governance and representation in Newbern.

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

• “The people came out and spoke and voted. Now, there ain’t no doubt what they want for this town,” — Patrick Braxton, Mayor of Newbern

Associated Press

• “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,” — Madison Hollon, SPLC Action Fund

Associated Press

Looking ahead, Braxton's leadership is expected to set a precedent for other towns facing similar governance challenges. The upcoming years will likely focus on increasing transparency and representation in local government, as the community seeks to move forward from its contentious past.

First Black Mayor of Newbern, Alabama Wins Election After Legal Battle