Birmingham interim Mayor Roderick Royal leaves door open for possible House of Representatives Bid in 2026

Former Birmingham interim Mayor Roderick Royal

By Christopher M Peeks August 06, 2025

In the latest Alabama political news, former Birmingham interim mayor Roderick Royal leaves the door open for a possible Alabama State House of Representatives run in the 2026 Democratic primary.

Royal, elected to three terms on the Birmingham City Council from 2001-2013, served as president and acting mayor. He also did a stint in the Army as an officer during the Persian Gulf War and later worked with the Birmingham Police Department, as well as a college instructor. Recently, he joined the BCS State of Alabama podcast with co-host Brandon Moseley to discuss politics.

Royal touched on a myriad of topics, but when posed with the question of whether he planned to be a candidate in next year’s midterm elections, he initially dismissed the notion, saying, “I am not sure I will be a part of it,” but immediately walked it back, leaving the door open by stating, “One thing I’ve learned is that as a politician and a good citizen, you never say no. What you do is you merely assess things as they come.”

Is Royal running? His decision may hinge on the outcome of the August Birmingham municipal election, in which Alabama House District 60 Representative Juandalynn Givan is seeking to be the next Birmingham mayor. If she is successful, she would assume office immediately, and Governor Ivey would call a special election to fill the seat, thus paving the way for a potential Roderick Royal candidacy to fill the vacated office. If successful, he would then have to run again in next May’s primary.

Christopher M. Peeks, Reporter and Columnist, Alabama Political Contributor