Lashunda Scales crushes well-known challenger to retain Jefferson County Commission seat

Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales has secured a third term on the commission, decisively fending off a challenge from Birmingham City Councilman Clinton Woods. The victory solidifies her position as a veteran leader in the region.

A Decisive Victory for District 1

Scales' expansive District 1 encompasses roughly half of Birmingham and stretches into the communities of Forestdale, Midfield, and Fairfield. According to unofficial results, the incumbent dominated the race with 11,788 votes, or 61% of the total, while Woods finished with 7,444 votes, or 38.7%.

Addressing her supporters on Tuesday night, Scales attributed her success to a disciplined campaign. "The district won tonight because the truth prevailed," she said. "The needs of the people prevailed." She noted that she remained focused on her message despite facing negative campaigning, stating, "We were talking about what the people wanted to hear versus something that doesn’t need to be explained."

Path to the Commission

Scales has served on the Jefferson County Commission since 2018, having previously held a seat on the Birmingham City Council for three terms. Her political roots are deep, influenced by her grandmother, who was well-known for her grassroots activism in the city.

In a gesture of sportsmanship, Woods offered his congratulations to the commissioner following the results. Speaking to 205focus.com, he stated, "I want to tip my cap to Commissioner Scales. She did a good job of getting her supporters out and she has clear support from the community to continue her leadership."

While Woods—whose lineage includes his father, former mayoral candidate Chris Woods, and his grandfather, the late civil rights leader Bishop Calvin Woods—expressed pride in his campaign, he emphasized that the decision ultimately rested with the voters. Woods, who was appointed to his current Birmingham City Council seat in 2018 to fill the vacancy left by Scales, will continue to serve on the council following this election.