In a historic election, Patrick Braxton, the first Black mayor of Newbern, Alabama, has won a decisive victory after years of being locked out of office by white officials. His triumph comes under a federal settlement that forced the town to hold its first election in decades, finally restoring democratic governance to the community.
Long Fight for Representation
Patrick Braxton originally became mayor in 2020 after running unopposed. But instead of being allowed to serve, town officials changed the locks on city hall, blocked his access to financial accounts, and reinstalled themselves in power. Braxton’s fight for his rightful office drew national attention as Black residents challenged Newbern’s decades-old system of “hand-me-down governance.”
Historic Election Victory
On Tuesday, Braxton secured a decisive win, receiving 66 votes against his opponent’s 26. “The people came out and spoke and voted. Now, there ain’t no doubt what they want for this town,” he said after the results. The lopsided margin, he added, leaves no uncertainty about the town’s choice for leadership.
Decades Without Elections
Newbern, a small town of just 133 residents, had not held a mayoral election since at least the 1960s. Instead, mayors handpicked their successors, who then appointed the council. This process created an overwhelmingly white leadership structure, despite Black residents outnumbering white residents two-to-one. The lawsuit filed by Braxton and others described this as an undemocratic system that shut out the town’s Black majority.
Court Battles and Lockouts
After qualifying as mayor-elect in 2020, Braxton named his own council, as previous mayors had done. But outgoing council members allegedly held a secret meeting to undo his appointments, staged their own election, and reappointed themselves. For three years, Braxton was denied access to town hall and prevented from carrying out his duties. “I didn’t get a chance to serve but one year out of the five years,” he recalled.
Federal Settlement Mandated Change
In response to the lawsuit, a federal settlement required Newbern to hold proper elections in 2025. This week’s vote was the first in decades and marked a turning point in restoring the community’s democratic system. The SPLC Action Fund, which endorsed Braxton, described the victory as “restoring democratic governance, ensuring fair representation, and reaffirming that every resident has a voice.”
Challengers and Endorsements
Braxton faced one opponent in the election — Laird Cole, a white auctioneer and Realtor. Civil rights groups rallied behind Braxton, pointing to the broader implications for voting rights and representation in small Southern towns. His win, observers say, reflects both a personal triumph and a broader shift for Newbern.
A Turning Point for Newbern
Now firmly elected, Braxton says his victory represents a clear mandate. “It feels good the second time,” he said. “This should eliminate any doubts people had hanging in their heads about whether people want me.” His leadership begins a new chapter for the town, long defined by exclusionary practices, and now moving toward accountability and equal representation.