Updated: Truth or Spin? Connie Hudson’s Airbus Claim Misunderstood

Updated August 21, 2025 3:10pm

Mobile, AL (BuzzReport) – As Mobile’s contentious mayoral election hurtles towards its decisive days, one candidate’s prominent campaign claim is drawing significant scrutiny, sparking debate over the cornerstone of political honesty. County Commissioner Connie Hudson, a leading contender, has prominently featured in her TV advertisements that she was the “lead negotiator” responsible for bringing Airbus to Mobile. However, a deeper look into the historical record, and voices from the community, suggest she was in fact the negotiator for the county and not the city.

At the time the monumental Airbus deal was being forged, Connie Hudson was indeed a member of the Mobile County Commission . Yet, it was then-Mayor Sam Jones who was undeniably at the helm for the city, orchestrating the complex negotiations and leading the charge to secure the economic landmark for the city, as Connie Hudson was along with the City representing the County as its lead negotiator.

“I was at the table with Connie Hudson as she was the lead negotiator for the county, working with the city on this project.” states Attorney Jay Ross a Mobile County Commission attorney.

The intricate process of luring a global giant like Airbus to Mobile was anything but a one-person endeavor. It was, by all accounts, a collaborative triumph involving a confluence of local, county, and state officials, economic developers, and countless hours of strategic planning and negotiation. As we broke this article, we would like to be clear that there was more than one elected official involved in bringing this giant corporation to the city of Mobile.

“Several local and state officials were involved in bringing Airbus to Mobile during that time, not just one council person,” states John Bates, a long-time Mobile resident, echoing a sentiment widely shared by those familiar with the project’s origins. He adds, “Why can’t any candidate run on honesty and expect voters to believe them? Candidates want to look good, but are they really being honest?”

Connie Hudson ad is not misleading when it states lead negotiator for Mobile County.

Mobile resident will head to the polls to vote on Tuesday, August 26.

This article is updated by the Buzz Report.