Alexander City will have a new Mayor come November 3.
In a close race, challenger Mike Densmore defeated incumbent Mayor Woody Baird in Tuesday’s runoff election in Alexander City by 58 votes.
In unofficial results, Densmore received 1,610 votes to Baird’s 1,552.
Joining Densmore at City Hall will be council members in City Council Districts 4 and 6.
Kelly Waldrop was elected to the fourth district after defeating Frank Tapley with 60% of the vote.
Mike Lucas won the city’s sixth district with 53% of the vote.
Densmore is a businessman and longtime pastor. The Alex City native and Benjamin Russell High School graduate has 30 years of corporate leadership at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and over four decades in local ministry.
“As mayor, I will listen to the people of Alex City, and I will represent their interests,” Densmore had said in his 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 played 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.
Densmore has chaired community boards including the Russell Medical Foundation Strategic Planning Committee, the Chamber of Commerce and the United Way.
When he claimed victory on Tuesday night, Densmore said he will work every day to honor the support and trust placed in him by neighbors.
“This is a new day for our community. Let’s leave the rear-view mirror behind and look forward together with faith, hope, and love for Alexander City,” Densmore wrote.
“I’m excited about what we will accomplish side by side — and I look forward to getting to work for you!”
Baird had been first elected in 2020 after serving as a city councilmember.
Densmore said: “This campaign was not about me. It was 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.”
Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at [email protected].
