Victories in 2025
To create more equitable outcomes in our courtrooms, statehouses, city halls and school boards, communities throughout the Deep South need strong candidates for local political office who will address their day-to-day challenges. The SPLC Action Fund identifies and endorses candidates who are committed to dismantling white supremacy, strengthening democracy and advancing human rights for all people.
Mayors
Despite having large or majority-Black populations, many small to midsized cities in the Deep South have never had a Black mayor. 2025 was a year for change. Last year, the SPLC Action Fund empowered local leaders as they made history. Six of our endorsees are the first Black mayors elected in their communities.
Alabama
- Ciara Smith, Anniston
- Patrick Braxton, Newbern
- Randall Woodfin, Birmingham
- Jae’Ques Brown, Greenville
Georgia
- LaRhonda Patrick, Warner Robins
Louisiana
- Marshall Simien Jr., Lake Charles
Mississippi
- Larry Jointer, Brookhaven
- Jimmy Stokes, Horn Lake
- Billy Knight, Moss Point
- Lynn Spruill, Starkville
- Ken Featherstone, Indianola
Names in bold indicate first elected Black mayor.
Public Service Commissioners
A public service commissioner (PSC) is a state-level official who sits on a multi-member board. In most states, PSCs are appointed by elected officials, typically either the governor or the state legislature. In 10 states, however, residents elect their commissioners. While responsibilities can vary from state to state, PSCs generally regulate utilities such as water, electricity and gas. Most strikingly, they negotiate energy prices that affect consumers’ monthly bills. In 2025, the SPLC Action Fund endorsed the eventual winners in the high stakes PSC elections in Georgia.
Georgia
- Alicia Johnson, District 2
- Peter Hubbard, District 3
City and County Legislators
City commissioners, councilmembers and aldermen are the voting power behind municipal executives. They can support the decisions of a government executive, such as a mayor, or block action. Depending on the municipality, these officials can independently raise issues affecting the community and vote on the solutions. Candidates endorsed by the SPLC Action Fund won important victories in three of our priority states last year.
Florida
- Judith Thomas, Lake Park Commissioner At-Large
- Michael Hensley, Lake Park Commissioner At-Large
Georgia
- Erick Allen, Cobb County Commissioner, District 2
- Melody Kelley, Sandy Springs City Councilmember, District 2
- Chelsey Curney, Jonesboro City Councilmember
- Cameron Dixon, Jonesboro City Councilmember
- Garnet Morris, Hiram City Councilmember, Post 5
Mississippi
- Joshua Langston, Horn Lake Alderman, Position 1
- Larry McKinney, Horn Lake Alderman At-Large
- LaShonda Johnson, Horn Lake Alderman, Position 5
- Kelly Smith, Horn Lake Alderman, Position 4
- Charlotte Armstrong, Horn Lake Alderman, Position 6
- Carissa Corbett, Gulfport City Councilmember, Ward 6
- Ray Sykes, Clarksdale Commissioner, Ward 1
Your support is critical to our success
2026 is the year of the midterm election, and the SPLC Action Fund has been building power for this moment. In our fifth year of candidate endorsement, we will remain steadfast in identifying and championing candidates dedicated to creating a world where everyone can thrive. The SPLC Action Fund will strengthen and expand coalitions, wade into even the toughest races and continue laying the foundation for a political landscape that truly empowers communities.
And together, let’s continue the march for justice.