Montgomery, Ala. – Today, the SPLC Action Fund proudly endorsed Patrick Braxton in his campaign for reelection to serve as mayor of Newbern, Alabama. Although Mayor Braxton — who is Newbern’s first Black mayor — was elected to the seat in 2020, the town’s previous administration removed him from office shortly after the election and refused him access to the city’s accounts, records and town hall. Braxton would only regain his seat in 2024, after winning a settlement in which Newbern admitted to depriving citizens of their voting rights by passing the offices of mayor and council member from one administration to the next without holding municipal elections.
“The fact that Newbern will for the first time in decades hold municipal elections is thanks in large part to Mayor Braxton’s refusal to allow his constituents to be disenfranchised,” said Madison Hollon, program manager of political campaigns, SPLC Action Fund. “That commitment to ensuring people have fair representation and a voice in government is the kind of leadership that Newbern needs. Mayor Braxton is a fierce advocate for equitable distribution of town resources that will help ensure opportunity reaches all of Newbern’s residents. The SPLC Action Fund is proud to back Mayor Braxton in his bid for reelection and looks forward to what he can accomplish in a second, unimpeded term.”
The 2025 municipal elections are scheduled for Tuesday, August 26. Learn more about voting in Alabama.