Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox Re-Elected to Sixth Term Leading City

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, who has led the Druid City for the last 20 years, has been elected to a sixth term in office.

Maddox's only challenger for this run at the mayor's office was Denson Ferrell II, a political newcomer who ran on a platform of bringing change to City Hall.

Experience won out, though, and Maddox won the night in a landslide, drawing over 80 percent of the mayoral vote and continuing his streak of easy wins after he was first elected mayor in 2005 in a close and contentious race to replace retiring mayor Al DuPont.

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"Affirmed by your ballots, I stand here humbled and honored to be re-elected as mayor," Maddox told supporters at the University Club Tuesday night. "I do not take for granted earning a historic sixth term that continues the covenant to build a bridge to the future."

Maddox, a lifetime resident of the city, reiterated his commitment to it and said he hopes his two decades in the mayor's office make him fit to lead her through days ahead, which may be difficult.

"I believe this passion and experience are required because the next four years will not be easy," Maddox told supporters. There are serious issues that must be confronted. However, I know this. Tuscaloosa meets every challenge, and our horizon will continue to be shaped by a relentless pursuit of the possible."

Unofficial election results show the city government's other incumbents also enjoyed a good night.

School Board Member Dr. Karen Thompson Jackson was easily re-elected in District 1, and city councillors Raevan Howard, John Faile and Cassius Lanier also earned another four-year term in their seats.

The only race that did not see the incumbent win outright is in District 1, where Matthew Wilson is projected to go to a runoff with one of his challengers. As of 9 p.m. Tuesday, that challenger appears to be Joe Eatmon, who edged out third-place Que Chandler by a half-dozen votes.

For final results when they're available and more from Tuesday night's race winners, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.