Huntsville Mayor Battle earns fifth term before fourth ends

HUNTSVILLE – City residents interested in civic matters will no doubt have an eye on the Aug. 27 municipal elections.

Districts 1 and 5 in the Huntsville City Council and Huntsville Board of Education are to be decided with multiple candidates in each race.

But once the June 5 deadline to qualify passed, one office had just one candidate running.

In a move that required little discussion at the regular meeting of the Huntsville City Council, the five voting members behind the guidance of City Attorney Trey Riley unanimously passed a resolution to declare Mayor Tommy Battle to a fifth term beginning Nov. 4.

While the move was somewhat surprising – District 4 Council Member Bill Kling brought the state law requiring it to Riley’s attention – the council was following Alabama constitutional guidelines that a city council declare an unopposed municipal candidate as the winner, upon proper certification.

The move saves resources and taxpayer dollars because polls do not have to open in unaffected precincts.

“I am humbled and honored at the opportunity to continue serving this great city,” Battle said following the council vote. “Council’s action gives us a chance to get a jump start on preparations for the coming term, to meet with our administration and be ready to start out of the gates quickly.”

This is the first time in recent memory, if ever for Huntsville or a city of its size in the state, an incumbent mayor did not face a challenger in an election race.

Battle, 68, was first elected in 2008 and, in 2020, received 80% of the vote for his fourth term.

Council Member John Meredith told his colleagues at first glance the resolution seemed odd, but wanted residents to know there was nothing “afoul’’ at work and that the council wasn’t playing kingmaker.

“Folks need to know that the law exists and that taking this action is fulfilling our obligation to this state and the constitution that we swore to uphold,” he said. 

Municipal elections to be held Aug. 27.

City Council District 1

• Devyn S. Keith
• Michelle Watkins
• Reggie McKenzie

City Council District 5

• John Meredith
• Kim Caudle Lewis

Board of Education District 1

• Chaundra M. Jones
• Claudia Harris
• Will Culver
• Pat King

Board of Education District 5

• Carlos Mathews
• Zara R. Broadenax