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Patrick Braxton Wins Newbern Mayor’s Race in First Election in Decades

A federal settlement required the vote, reversing years of appointments that sidelined regular elections.

A sign marks the town limit of Newbern, Ala., population 133 people, on July 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler)
Route 61 runs through Newbern, Ala., population 133 people, on July 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler)
A sign stand outs City Hall in Newbern, Ala., population 133 people, on July 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler)
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Overview

  • Braxton won 66 to 26, according to results posted by the town, securing a clear mandate to lead Newbern.
  • He became mayor-elect in 2020 as the sole candidate but was locked out of town hall and denied access to municipal finances, which prompted a lawsuit.
  • U.S. District Judge Kristi K. DuBose approved a 2024 agreement that allowed Braxton to begin serving and mandated a 2025 mayoral election.
  • Town officials denied wrongdoing in court filings and argued that Braxton’s claim to the office was invalid.
  • Braxton defeated challenger Laird Cole in a town of about 133 residents where Black residents outnumber white residents roughly two-to-one, and the SPLC Action Fund endorsed his candidacy.