Selma Mayor James Perkins releases concession statement after losing re-election bid

Selma Mayor James Perkins, Jr., has released a public concession statement following his loss in Tuesday’s elections. While the mayor’s race will be heading to a runoff, Perkins won’t be one of the two candidates to face off next month.

The two candidates heading to a runoff on September 23 are Johnny Moss III and Aaron Roper. Moss is the president of the Selma city school board, while Roper is a former tax collector.

Unofficial results from Tuesday show that Perkins missed the runoff by 29 votes. Moss finished with 1,606 votes, or 35%, to Roper’s 1,191 votes or 26%. Perkins had 1,162 votes or 26%. Other candidates in the race were far behind.

Perkins was Selma’s first Black mayor when he first won the office in 2000. He served until he was defeated in 2008, but won his latest term in 2020.

Here is the complete statement from Mayor Perkins:

“I extend my congratulations to the candidates entering the run–off election. While this outcome is not what I had hoped, my decision to seek a fourth term was rooted in a commitment to continue Selma’s progress and to establish a transition strategy that would allow our community to build steadily rather than stop and start anew, as we have experienced in the past. 

“I am profoundly grateful to the people of Selma for entrusting me with the privilege of serving as your mayor for three terms. Since my first election in 2000 and again in 2020, your confidence has enabled me to face unprecedented challenges on your behalf. During my first two terms, we reversed a four–decade population decline. In my third term, we navigated the COVID–19 pandemic and the devastating impact of multiple natural disasters, including the January 2023 tornado that struck a third of our city. Through it all, Selma has remained resilient, and I leave office knowing that our community is rebuilding stronger than before. 

“Together, we achieved meaningful progress. In my first two terms, 10 new industries were recruited, creating more than 2,000 jobs–the first population growth since the 1960 census. In this most recent term, Selma secured more than $152 million in investments focused on infrastructure, housing, and youth development; completed street improvements across 80 city blocks; enhanced recreational facilities; and advanced a $40 million high–speed internet expansion to strengthen our future. These milestones reflect the collective will and dedication of a community determined to rise. Selma is positioned better than ever for long–term prosperity. 

“To my campaign team, volunteers, supporters, and every citizen I’ve met along the way; thank you. Your encouragement, your ideas, and your faith in our vision sustained this journey. I am especially grateful to my biological and spiritual families for their love, patience, and constant support. While this chapter is closing, my love for Selma remains unwavering. May our city’s future be guided by wise and integrous leadership and equitable growth. 

“Finally, I have initiated a transition process to ensure a swift and smooth transfer of office to the next administration. And for all that has been accomplished and for all that is yet to come, I say with gratitude; “To God Be the Glory.”