NEW: Mobile Mayor not running for reelection

It’s the end of an era in Mobile. Mayor Sandy Stimpson announced he is not running for reelection on September 25, ending his ten-year tenure as the Port City’s mayor next year.

Keep reading for the details on Stimpson stepping down and looking back on his legacy as mayor.

11 years of service

Mayor Stimpson’s announcement came in a format his constituents are familiar with—an email newsletter. Typically, he sends one out each night at 7:30, updating voters and media of happenings within the city. But a special edition at 10 this morning tipped folks off to something big.

And something big it was—Mayor Stimpson is not running for reelection next year.

“Earlier this year, I told you I was running for re-election until I said I wasn’t. So today, almost 12 years after announcing my initial candidacy, I have decided I will not run for re-election next year.”

Mayor Sandy Stimpson, City of Mobile

In his message, Stimpson reflected on his almost 11 years of service to the city, and how he still has another year or so in his tenure, and plenty more to do until then.

“Change is constant in city government, just as in life. I am committed to a successful transition to ensure our next mayor hits the ground running and is prepared for success. My team has a wealth of institutional knowledge and relationships we are ready to share.

My hope is that with the support of the citizens and the City Council, my administration will be an example of One Mobile as we continue fulfilling the vision of uniting to become a safer, more business and family-friendly city. Together, we can get a lot done over the next 14 months.”

Mayor Sandy Stimpson, City of Mobile

Stimpson closed out the announcement by comparing the mayor’s office to a relay race—something he did in his first State of the City Address.

In handing off the baton, I am secure in knowing that I gave the city everything I could, and the next mayor is teed up for even greater success.

Mayor Sandy Stimpson, City of Mobile

As for post-mayoral plans, Stimpson says he plans to spend more time with his wife Jean and their 14 grandchildren.

Stimpson was elected as the 108th Mayor of Mobile in 2013.

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