2025 Municipal Elections: Full Candidate List, Platform Summaries, Forums, and Election Resources

Calhoun County, AL – The 2025 municipal elections are set for Tuesday, August 26, and voters across Calhoun County will soon head to the polls to elect mayors, city council members, and school board representatives. This year’s elections include contested and uncontested races across Anniston, Jacksonville, Piedmont, Ohatchee, Oxford, Weaver, and Hobson City.

To ensure transparency and promote voter awareness, the Calhoun Journal invited all candidates, including those running unopposed, to submit a statement outlining their platforms or reasons for seeking office. Many candidates responded, and their platforms are available in full at the Journal’s election hub:

Full Election Coverage & Platforms:

Even if a candidate did not submit a platform, their name appears below for a complete and inclusive overview. Unopposed candidates are also listed and noted; some have already been certified and will not appear on the ballot.

Candidate Forums Available

Public forums have already been held in Anniston and Ohatchee, and recordings are available online:

Upcoming forums for Jacksonville and Piedmont will be livestreamed via:

Candidate Platform Summaries

Anniston Mayor

Ciara Smith – Emphasizes transformational change, safe neighborhoods, infrastructure investment, and inclusive leadership.
Ben Little – Advocates for public safety, healthcare reform, and ward-level equity.
Michael Woods – Calls for community-focused leadership, neighborhood revitalization, and listening to residents.
Kevin Cheatwood – No platform submitted.
Steven Folks – No platform submitted.

Ward 1

Ben New – Highlights zoning experience and dedication to economic development.
John Squires – Plans to address food insecurity, job growth, and education.
Lewis Downing – No platform submitted.
Brenton Tolson – No platform submitted.

Ward 2

La Sha’ Robinson – Advocates for sustainable development, civic engagement, and citywide improvement.
Dann Hughley – Focused on economic development, budget accountability, and affordable housing.
Demetric “DeDe” Roberts – No platform submitted.
Erica Tolson – No platform submitted.

Ward 3

Joe Harrington – Seeks to restore city services, improve roads, and address animal control.

Ward 4

Ashley Wilson – Prioritizes infrastructure, safety, small business growth, and education.
Julie Moss – Focused on transparency, community support, and pro-growth leadership.

School Board Ward 1

Dottie Rimpsey – Brings 30+ years of education and nonprofit work to policy reform and student services.

School Board Ward 2

Rodney Fomby – No platform submitted.
Trudy Moses-Munford – No platform submitted.

School Board Ward 3 (Running unopposed)

Mary Harrington – Seeks continued academic progress, staff recruitment, and increased community engagement.

School Board Ward 4

Thomas Hobgood – Wants to improve learning conditions and promote staff and student success.
Joan Frazier – No platform submitted.

School Board At-Large

Donald Gilley – Aims to raise academic standards, introduce AP programs, and restore trust.
Trina Chatman – No platform submitted.
Robert Houston – No platform submitted.

Jacksonville Mayor

Tony Taylor – Public safety advocate focused on continued infrastructure and school support.
Mark Jones – Supports emergency healthcare, transparency, and economic partnerships.
Laura Humphreys – No platform submitted.

Place 1 (Running unopposed)

Andy Green

Place 2

Terry Wilson – Incumbent prioritizing safety, emergency medical access, and financial stewardship.
Scott Hodge – Former police officer focused on job growth, infrastructure, and healthcare.

Place 3

Jimmy Harrell Jr. – Platform centered on standalone ER and smart, conservative growth.
James Newell – Proposes listening sessions, neighborhood initiatives, and economic development.

Place 4 (Running unopposed)

Sherry Laster

Place 5

Marques Green – Emphasizes quality of life, communication, and family support.
Torsten Dryden – Local counselor promoting infrastructure, first responder support, and transparency.

Piedmont Mayor (Running unopposed)

Kevin Farmer

District 1

Robert Dunbar – No platform submitted.
Brittney Williams – No platform submitted.
Tracy Delevie – No platform submitted.

District 2 (Running unopposed)

Kevin McCord

District 3 (Running unopposed)

Frank Cobb – Focuses on community cooperation, environmental preservation, and economic development through tourism.

District 4

Ashlee Jones – Advocates for better communication, ordinance access, and park revitalization.
Rodney Holmes – No platform submitted.
Mark Epps – No platform submitted.

District 5

Greg South – No platform submitted.
Kevin Cunningham – No platform submitted.

District 6 (Running unopposed)

Carlos Farmer – Focuses on fiscal responsibility, infrastructure, and supporting small business growth.

District 7 (Running unopposed)

Matt Rogers – Plans to increase grant funding, streamline city operations, and improve transparency in utilities.

Ohatchee Mayor

Todd Eubanks – Highlights transparency, school and public safety investment, and local economy.
Steve Baswell – No platform submitted.

Place 1

Wesley Walker – Emphasizes community preservation, practical growth, and open leadership.
Celesia “Lisa” Jennings – No platform submitted.

Place 2

Leigh Gardner – Small business owner advocating for seniors, parks, and accessible communication.
J.M. “Butch” Mitchell – No platform submitted.

Place 3

Kip Reaves – Committed to improving parks, supporting youth and seniors.
Raymone Underwood – No platform submitted.

Place 4

Bryan Griffith – Longtime community leader focused on youth engagement and operational efficiency.
Teresa Lott – No platform submitted.

Place 5

John Dyer – Emphasizes community involvement, traffic safety, and transparency.
Wayne Carden – Focuses on business development and honest, accessible governance.
Perry Howard – No platform submitted.

Hobson City (All candidates running unopposed) Mayor