Former Democratic U.S. Senator Doug Jones is tossing his support behind state Rep. Barbara Drummond in the upcoming Mobile mayoral election.

Jones, in a news release from the Drummond campaign Tuesday, praised Drummond’s “decades of dedicated service” working in city, county and state governments. He called her a politician who “possesses a truly unique and invaluable understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Mobile.”

“From her time as a journalist connecting with the community to her executive leadership roles managing city and county departments, to her effective work in the state legislature, Rep. Drummond has consistently demonstrated integrity, a collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of all Mobilians,” said Jones, who served in the U.S. Senate from 2018 to 2021 and once served as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama.

“She knows how to bring people together to find practical solutions and deliver results,” Jones said. “Mobile needs her experienced, unifying leadership, and I am proud to offer her my enthusiastic endorsement.”

Drummond, in a statement, said it was a “profound honor” to get the former senator’s support.

“Senator Jones has spent his career fighting for justice, seeking common ground, and working tirelessly for the people of Alabama,” said Drummond, who was elected to the Alabama House District 103 seat in 2014, and chairs the Alabama House Democratic Caucus.

Drummond said that Jones’ endorsement underscores the core message of her campaign: Bringing the city together to tackle challenges and build a future where people and neighborhoods thrive.

The Jones endorsement is the second key one made within the past week in the mayoral race. Last Wednesday, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson endorsed former Mobile County District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis for mayor during an event at Greer’s St. Louis Market.

Stimpson announced last fall he was not seeking a fourth term in office, leaving the race for mayor a wide-open contest. The election is Aug. 26.

Mayoral elections in Alabama are non-partisan – meaning candidates do not run by party affiliation.

The other candidates include former Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine, former Mobile Police Chief and Executive Director of Public Safety Lawrence Battiste, Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson, former Mobile County Commissioner Steve Nodine, and former Mobile City Councilman Jermaine Burrell.