All city offices up for grabs as Bessemer voters select mayor, council and school board today

The stage is set in Bessemer today, August 25, 2026, as voters head to the polls to determine the future of their city leadership. Every office is on the ballot, including the mayor, city council, and the school board.

This election takes place against a backdrop of significant local tension. The city has been at the center of a firestorm regarding a massive, $14.5 billion data center project, known as Project Marvel. The proposed development has ignited fierce debate between supporters and detractors, with many speculating that the resulting controversy will be a decisive factor at the ballot box.

Beyond the data center, Bessemer’s education system remains a primary concern for residents. Voters are looking for solutions to ongoing issues within the school system, which include persistent internal tensions, underwhelming student performance, and a state-mandated takeover that leaves elected board members without substantive authority.

As the county seat for western Jefferson County, this city of roughly 25,000 residents stands at a major political crossroads.

The Mayoral Race

Incumbent Mayor Kenneth Gulley is fighting to secure an unprecedented fifth term in office. Standing in his way are three challengers: former state legislator Louise Alexander, Darral Lerone Bethel, and Brenita Lewis.

City Council Contests

District 1: Incumbent Jarvis Collier faces off against Michael Knight.

District 2: Councilor Chester W. Porter is running unopposed.

District 3: Incumbent Sarah W. Person is challenged by former council member Cynthia Donald, who aims to reclaim the seat she lost in the previous election.

District 4: Incumbent Donna Thigpen squares off against Rhonda Brantley.

District 5: Incumbent Teco Stephens meets challenger Kelvin Eades.

District 6: Incumbent Carla Jackson is defending her seat against a trio of challengers: Tonia Miller, Lakia Reeves, and Valerie M. Williams.

District 7: Incumbent Cleophus King is seeking reelection against challengers Howard Acoff Jr. and Silas Baldwin.

Polls are open today and will close at 7 p.m.