Mobile, Alabama mayoral election, 2005

Candidates

• Sen. Ann Bedsole
• Commissioner Sam Jones
• Councilman John Peavy
• Councilwoman Bess Rich

Background

In Mobile, Alabama during the summer of 2005, the politics of the city revolved around the retirement of long time mayor Michael C. Dow. A group of four candidates threw their hats into the ring: State Senator Ann Bedsole, Commissioner Sam Jones, Councilman John Peavy, Councilwoman Bess Rich.

August 23rd election

As expected, none of the four candidates received a majority and a run-off was set up between Commissioner Sam Jones and John Peavy.

September 9th election

Commissioner Sam Jones defeated Councilman John Peavy, making him the first African-American mayor of Mobile, although Jones made a point to minimize this detail during the campaign, and continues to do so as Mayor, governing without regard to race