With just five weeks remaining before Mobile’s Aug. 26 mayoral election, State Rep. Barbara Drummond is urging local media outlets to organize a formal debate among the four candidates vying for the city’s top political post.

It’s the first time there has been an open-seat contest for Mobile mayor in 20 years.

“This is probably the most consequential election we will have,” Drummond said ahead of a community forum at B.C. Rain High School on Tuesday. “I think the voters in this city deserve to see a robust debate.”

Drummond emphasized that a structured debate, not just forums, would give voters the clearest view of where candidates stand.

“Money can buy ads, but it can’t buy leadership,” she said. “Mobile’s voters deserve to see each candidate think on their feet, not hide behind talking points.”

Forum focus

Drummond’s call comes amid a campaign season shaped by community forums held at churches, community centers, and schools. While those events have been well-attended, they’ve largely avoided confrontation or rebuttals, leaving voters without much opportunity to see candidates challenge each other directly.

TV stations have held events ahead of the election, but not structured debates. Fox10 News teamed with the League of Women Voters to host a candidates’ forum earlier this month.

A runoff election will take place between the top two candidates in the Aug. 26 election if none of them receives more than 50% of the vote.

Former Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine said the difference between a forum and a debate is substantial.

“I’m just honored to have the opportunity to talk to the people,” Prine said. “But debates and forums are two different things. The forums are very restrictive, whether it’s a response or your opening dialogue on what you’re trying to do.”

He added, “I would love to debate. It would allow the citizens to hear what the issues are and see specifically how the candidates will respond to the rebuttal sometime when someone gives information that might not necessarily be the right information.”

Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson also supports a debate and says she’s open to whatever format is presented.

“I’m here to state what I believe and feel and provide my plans for the future,” Hudson said. “I’m game for whatever comes along. We have five weeks left before the election. We have an interested electorate here. People are interested in the future of Mobile.”

Former Mobile County District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis agreed in principle, though he raised scheduling as a potential obstacle.

“I don’t think we’ve turned down an opportunity to speak to the people yet,” he said. “The only problem is right now, we’re five weeks out. If it’s something we can work into the schedule, I’ll be there.

Cheriogotis said the forums give candidates “opportunities to mix it up” and speak about similar topics with a message pertinent to the organization that is hosting the event.

Baldwin contrast

The lack of a structured debate in Alabama’s largest Gulf Coast city is notable when compared to neighboring Baldwin County, where political contests have featured fiery exchanges and pointed accusations:

• In Spanish Fort, a debate between mayoral challenger Brian Bass and incumbent Mayor Mike McMillan saw Bass accusing the city of underfunding public safety, claiming firefighters are sleeping on fire station floors in an allegation McMillan fiercely denies.
• In Gulf Shores, the construction of a new high school has sparked heated discussion following a site raid that led to the arrest of over two dozen immigrants.
• In Orange Beach, the mayoral race has turned contentious after The Lagniappe reported on a domestic abuse allegation at a city office. Mayor Tony Kennon denies the report but faces a stiff challenge from longtime Councilman Jeff Boyd. The two are scheduled to debate next month, though the event will be closed to the media.
• In Fairhope, online activity involving the city council races suggests they have become flashpoints for disputes involving supporters of the conservative group Moms for Liberty opposing the incumbents and controversies over library book placements.

In contrast, Mobile’s forums have been tamer, often covering recurring issues like economic development, litter control, neighborhood revitalization, and even pruning Crepe myrtles.

Drummond said voters deserve more than “30-second TV spots bankrolled by outside donors” to make their decision.

Campaign finance reports show that Cheriogotis leads the field, having raised nearly $1 million this cycle and ending June with nearly $700,000 on hand. Hudson is second, with $605,000 raised and $419,000 cash on hand. Drummond has brought in $236,000 and ended last month with $161,000, while Prine has raised $142,000 and reported $108,000 on hand.

Cheriogotis, who received the endorsement of outgoing Mayor Sandy Stimpson in May, said he’s focused on meeting voters directly.

“All I know to do is to work as hard as I possibly can and meet every voter I can,” he said. “You can only worry about the things you can control. I pray that the voters will trust me with their vote.”