Randall Woodfin endorses ‘proven leader’ Walt Maddox for governor

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin endorsed Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox in the Democratic primary for governor on Thursday, calling Maddox “a proven leader” who will improve the state.

“Many times we have to depend on mayors to make the critical decisions for everyday people right at the ground level, and Mayor Maddox has been doing that for years,” Woodfin said about the four-time elected mayor who is now running for governor as the two stood outside Birmingham’s $30 million intermodal facility. “If he can do for what he’s done in Tuscaloosa in improving people’s quality of life regardless if the area is urban, rural or suburban, then he can do that across all 67 counties in the state of Alabama. And that’s why I’m happy to stand with and support him.”

Woodfin said that Maddox has influenced how he governs Birmingham.

“Walt’s ability to convince people to work together – black and white, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican – has inspired how I seek to lead Birmingham to a new era of excellence,” he said.

Maddox said that Woodfin represents a new kind of leader focused on economic, social and environmental justice and transparency and accountability.

“Mayor Woodfin is a leader who believes all those things and I am honored beyond measure to have his endorsement,” Maddox said. “As governor, Mayor Woodfin is going to have a partner in Montgomery and he is going to have a partner in me, personally.”

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