Sam Jones (Alabama politician)


Samuel Leon Jones is an American politician who is a member of the Alabama House of Representatives representing district 99. Jones was the first African-American mayor of Mobile, Alabama, serving from September 2005 until August 2013. He ran on a platform of safety, efficient government, historic preservation and bringing new employers to the city.

Early life and education

Jones is a graduate of Central High School and attended Florida Junior College and Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida.

Career

Jones served for nine years in the United States Navy, where he served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal. While he was in the military, his commanding officer was John McCain, future senator from Arizona and presidential candidate.
After leaving the Navy, Jones worked as the executive director of Mobile Community Action, Inc. from 1980 until 1987. He got involved in politics through the Democratic Party and was elected to four terms as a Mobile County Commissioner.
In September 2005 he ran for Mayor of Mobile and was elected. He served two four-year terms, winning re-election in 2009. On August 27, 2013, Jones was defeated by Sandy Stimpson in the 2013 mayoral election.
On October 29, 2013, the Mobile City Council unanimously voted to pass a resolution to rename Mobile Government Plaza as the Samuel L. Jones Government Plaza for his service to the city. Official renaming of the building is pending approval by the Mobile County Commission.
In 2018, Jones was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives, representing District 99.