Alexander City’s 2025 mayoral contest expanded Thursday with the entry of businessman and longtime pastor Mike Densmore, who officially filed to challenge incumbent Curtis “Woody” Baird and a slate of fellow contenders.
“Alex City” as it’s known by locals, is the largest municipality in Tallapoosa County and anchored by Lake Martin’s 750-mile shoreline.
Densmore, a native of Alex City and Benjamin Russell High School graduate, is running on more than 30 years of corporate leadership at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and over four decades in local ministry as qualifications to steer the city’s growth.
“As mayor, I will listen to the people of Alex City, and I will represent their interests,” Densmore said in his official campaign launch.
“When you are a public servant, you work for the people, and I believe my time in business and serving as a pastor in this community gives me a unique perspective on moving our city forward.”
Born and raised in Alexander City, Densmore earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Auburn University, where he also competed on the football and wrestling teams.
He began his career teaching and coaching in Gadsden City Schools before joining Goodyear, retiring as director of global strategic planning and organizational development after three decades.
In tandem with his business career, Densmore has pastored at local churches for more than 40 years and chaired community boards including the Russell Medical Foundation Strategic Planning Committee, the Chamber of Commerce and the United Way.
Densmore joins a crowded field that already includes Mayor Curtis “Woody” Baird, retired educator Sandra Cullins, whose campaign launch was announced June 2, longtime councilmember Buffy Colvin, and entrepreneur David Wyckoff.
With five candidates now in the race, Alexander City’s mayoral primary – set for August 26, 2025 – is expected to be highly competitive.
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Baird was first elected in 2020 after serving as a city councilmember. His administration was reportedly centered on attracting new industry to the area.
Baird has been under fire for the consequences of the city’s role in some of those projects.
Local leaders have focused recent efforts on economic diversification – ranging from light manufacturing to hospitality – as well as enhancing education, road maintenance and municipal services.
Densmore says he is laser focused on accomplishing those missions – and will do so more effectively than anyone in the field.
“This campaign is not about me. It is about Alex City’s future. It is time to get serious about enhancing our children’s educational outcomes, promoting economic growth, investing in our infrastructure, and improving our citizens’ quality of life.”
The general municipal election for mayor and six city council seats is scheduled for August 26, 2025.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
