The 2026 City of Auburn municipal election is set for Aug. 25, where residents will cast their votes for all city offices. The mayoral race has two candidates this year, as incumbent Ron Anders Jr. faces challenger Robert Wilkins. All candidates for city council seats will also appear on the ballot.
Anders is seeking a third term after his initial election in 2018. Before becoming mayor, Anders served six years on the Auburn City Council and held leadership roles with numerous local organizations, including the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Auburn Planning Commission, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County and Child Advocacy Center. His campaign is centered on guiding Auburn's continued growth through infrastructure improvements, economic development, public safety investments and long-term planning.
In announcing his re-election campaign, Anders said he wants to continue building on the city's recent progress, while remaining focused on serving Auburn residents.
“Today, I am announcing my campaign to continue serving the citizens of Auburn. This community is my home, and I am excited about the progress we are making and the great things to come," the statement read. "As mayor, I have a front row seat to our progress, and I can confidently tell you that the best is yet to come. Over the past 4 years, we have made investments in public safety, the arts, parks and recreation and economic development to advance our city’s quality of life. Auburn is firing on all cylinders, and I am honored to represent us as we reach new heights. As I have said, I remain committed to transparent, accountable and responsive government. I will never forget that it is a privilege to be your mayor, and I look at my role as a sacred trust to our citizens.”
Anders also credited the city's success to the collective efforts of local leaders, city staff and community members.
“What we have accomplished is more than a mayor’s doing," the statement said. "There is a great team of private and public servants that make our community great. I am humbled to play a part in Auburn’s success and would be grateful for your vote on August 25."
To learn more about Anders and his campaign, visit his website.
Robert Wilkins is a first-time candidate for mayor whose campaign focuses on increasing community engagement, improving transparency in city government and giving residents a greater voice in local decision making. In announcing his candidacy, Wilkins said he believes Auburn is ready for a new approach to city leadership.
“Today, June 9, I, Robert Wilkins, officially filed the proper forms to run for Mayor of Auburn in the municipal election that will be held in 11 weeks on Aug. 25," the statement read. "Today marks the dawn of a citizens-first era in our city. For too long, decisions in Auburn have been made from the top down, by the same voices, the same firms and the same narrow interests. Working families, small business owners and everyday residents have felt pushed to the sidelines while big money and bureaucratic power grew louder. That stops now. I am Robert Wilkins, a citizen of Auburn for nearly 11 years with my wife Joy, who grew up here in Auburn. After five years of watching council meetings, speaking at over 90 open citizens forums and fighting for real responsiveness on the issues that matter, from fair economic development to protecting our neighborhoods and tax dollars, I am stepping forward because I care deeply about this city and the people who live here."
Wilkins continued by outlining the priorities of his "Citizens First" campaign, emphasizing collaboration and long-term planning for Auburn's future.
"This is the beginning of the Citizens First campaign — a campaign that puts you first in every decision," the statement read. "Together, we will reclaim our voice. Together, we will demand better. Balanced infrastructure and growth, financial responsibility and opportunity, better city government, continuing to improve education and community strength, preserving what makes Auburn special and building a resilient local economic. [...] Together, starting today, we will make Auburn the city we all know it can be by celebrating and building on those things that make Auburn so lovely, while tackling the items that threaten our piece of Heaven in the South."
To learn more about Wilkins and his campaign, visit his website.
In Auburn, each City Council ward elects one council member to represent the residents of that district. The city council works with the mayor to pass local laws, approve the city budget and represent residents' concerns to city government. Council members vote on issues that affect the entire city, while still advocating for the needs of their specific ward.
If you are unsure of which ward represents your area of living, refer to this map. Below are the candidates for each specific district for the upcoming municipal election.
Ward 1: Connie Taylor
Ward 2: Kirsten Milenkovitch
Ward 3: Beth Witten
Ward 4: Tyler Adams
Ward 5: Henry G. “Sonny” Moreman (incumbent), Toshiro Jackson and Micheal "Mike" Menese
Ward 6: Bob Parsons
Ward 7: Max Coblentz
Ward 8: Tommy Dawson (incumbent), Augustus Ayers and Robert L. McCollum
Residents can register to vote by going to the Board of Registrars' office, located in the Lee County Courthouse at 215 S. 9th St., Opelika, AL 36801.
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Gracie Goodman, senior in journalism, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since Fall 2025. Goodman previously served as a News Writer. She is currently serving as the News Editor
