McKenzie joins District 1 race for Huntsville City Council

HUNTSVILLE – The field running for Huntsville City Council District 1 is getting crowded as a third candidate has entered the race.

Reggie McKenzie was the latest to announce he’ll challenge incumbent Devyn Keith for the seat that represents an area that covers much of North Huntsville and stretches to downtown. Michelle Watkins, a two-term member of the Huntsville City School board, entered the race earlier.

“What does the future hold? First, we must start by electing a genuine leader. That’s me. A leader that can regain the District One residents’ and the community’s trust,” McKenzie, who counts executive director of Harris Home for Children among positions he’s held, said when announcing his candidacy. “A leader that can continue to work with the mayor, the council and the community and the residents of District One to effect positive change for District One and the entire city of Huntsville.”

McKenzie said among the things he’s focused on for North Huntsville are building hotels and more commercial space.

District 1 and District 5 seats will be put to the vote at municipal elections Aug. 27.

The District 1 candidates met during a forum Saturday at the North Huntsville branch of the public library.

District 5 candidates are incumbent John Meredith, who is in his first, and community advocate Kim Lewis. Those two are scheduled to appear at a forum July 13 at St. Luke Christian Church, from noon-to-1:30 p.m.

Districts 2, 3 and 4 were decided in the 2022 election cycle.

District 1 candidates:

• Devyn Keith: Incumbent seeking his third term. Served as past president of the city council. North Huntsville native.
• Michelle Watkins: Two-term member of the Huntsville City School Board. North Huntsville native. 
• Reggie McKenzie: 28-year Army veteran and 40-year advocate in Huntsville.

District 5 candidates: 

• John Meredith: Seeking second term. Past president of the city council. Son of Civil Rights icon James H. Meredith
• Kim Caudle Lewis: Native and resident of Huntsville, was raised in Triana. Owner and CEO of PROJECTXYZ.