Prichard Mayoral Race Heats Up: New BuzzReport Poll Forecasts Runoff, Incumbent Behind

PRICHARD, AL (BuzzReport) – With less than six weeks remaining until Election Day, the Prichard mayoral race is intensifying, and a recent online survey by BuzzReport offers a surprising look at voter sentiment. The poll indicates that residents are leaning towards significant change, with a runoff appearing highly probable and incumbent Mayor Jimmie Gardner currently trailing the top contenders.

The BuzzReport survey, conducted last week among 119 likely voters in Prichard, asked participants who they would support if the mayoral election were held today. The results suggest a competitive field where no candidate secures an outright majority, setting the stage for a second round of voting.

Former Councilman Lorenzo Martinemerged as the leading candidate in the poll, garnering 15.39% of the vote. Close behind is political newcomer Carletta J. Davis, who secured 11.17%, positioning her strongly for a potential spot in a runoff.

Notably, incumbent Mayor Jimmie Gardner, who is seeking a third term, polled at 10.56%, placing him in third position and outside the top two contenders in this initial survey. This suggests a potential shift in voter preference, with the survey indicating a desire among Prichard residents for “sensible change” and a willingness to move beyond a Gardner third term. Mayor Gardner’s recent tenure has faced increased scrutiny concerning a reported “spike in crime” and concerns over “lack of transparency,” factors that appear to be influencing voter sentiment.

Other candidates also garnered significant support, highlighting the breadth of the field. Rodney Tyrese Clements Jr. received 10.06%, while fellow newcomer Kelvin T. Thornton secured 9.94%. Both Davis and Thornton have garnered considerable attention in their first runs for political office.

Crucially, a substantial 18.55% of respondents remain “Undecided,” indicating a highly fluid race where these voters could ultimately determine the outcome.

Anthony Clarkbanks
6.19%
Rodney Tyrese Clements Jr.
10.06%
Carletta J. Davis
11.17%
Jimmie Gardner
10.56%
Charles E. Harden
8.79%
Terrance Harris
1.39%
Lorenzo Martin
15.39%
Janetta Pogue
1.5%
Kelvin T. Thornton
9.94%
Helen Wright
3.0%
Someone Else
3.46%
Undecided
18.55%

The survey’s demographic breakdown revealed an even split of 50% male and 50% female respondents. In terms of age, the largest segment of likely voters polled fell within the 41-50 age bracket (31.94%), followed by 31-40 (27.46%) and 51-60 (18.67%), reflecting a broad base of active voters across different generations.

This election parallels the dynamics of a previous mayoral contest where Mayor Gardner was forced into a runoff against Lorenzo Martin after failing to secure a majority of votes, underscoring the competitive nature of Prichard’s mayoral races.

While online polls provide a snapshot of current sentiment, the true will of Prichard’s citizens will be revealed on Election Day, Tuesday, August 26th. With a significant portion of voters still undecided and a runoff appearing likely, the final weeks of the campaign will be critical for all contenders to sway undecided voters and solidify their bases.