Birmingham metro elections 2025: Your complete guide to local races

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, voters across the Birmingham metro area will decide who leads their cities for the next four years, with ballots featuring hotly contested mayoral races, council elections, and even structural shifts in local government. In Birmingham, Mayor Randall Woodfin seeks a third term against eight challengers ranging from veteran politicians to first-time candidates, while more than 29 contenders vie for just nine city council seats. Alabaster voters face a mayoral showdown between incumbent Scott Brakefield and Yoko Brown, while Calera’s election takes place under a new government system that gives the council greater power. Helena faces sweeping change as Mayor J. Brian Puckett steps aside after financial troubles, and Homewood prepares to elect its first female mayor, with Jennifer Andress and Robin Litaker both making history. Hoover’s election has drawn attention due to threats against Muslim candidate Tanveer Patel, as incumbent Mayor Frank Brocato faces Police Chief Nick Derzis. In Pleasant Grove, the race guarantees the city’s first Black mayor, marking another historic moment for the metro. Fairfield, Tarrant, and Trussville also feature heated contests with crowded fields and long-standing political divides. Meanwhile, cities like Mountain Brook, Pelham, Pinson, and Vestavia Hills see a mix of longtime incumbents stepping down and fresh candidates stepping up, signaling a generational shift in leadership. Across the region, issues of growth, financial accountability, government efficiency, and community representation dominate campaign platforms, reflecting the challenges and opportunities facing suburban and urban areas alike. With dozens of races and significant local stakes, the Birmingham-area elections highlight the importance of grassroots politics and give residents the chance to reshape the direction of their communities.