Written By Lexx Thornton
The average age of individuals running for mayor in the United States varies based on factors like city size, political climate, and voter demographics. Remember Jaylon Smith? At 18 years old, Jaylen Smith became the mayor of Earle, Arkansas, in 2023, making him one of the youngest mayors in U.S. history. Now, an 18-year-old from Alabama, Brandon Moss plans on joining him as he is running for mayor of a small town called Fairfield, AL with just over 9,500 residents.
Moss just graduated from Ramsey High School in Birmingham, Alabama. Now he is jumpingright into politics. Fresh off receiving his diploma in May, he’s running for mayor of Fairfield, acity with less than 10,00 residents that has been facing a populationdecline. The election is set for August 26, 2025. Moss is joining a competitive race alongside seasoned candidates like Councilmen Herman Carnes and Cedric Norman, former Councilman James Reasor, and financial consultant Michael Williams. The current mayor is not seeking re-election.
Rather than taking the summer off before college, Moss is diving headfirst into campaigning. He says he’s running for mayor because Fairfield needs fresh innovative leadership that can bridge the gap between generations and bring real change.
While planning to major in political science and public administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Moss is also laying out a mayoral platform focused on economic development. He plans to attract businesses, hold property owners accountable,and engage withresidents to understand their needs