Decatur, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Pam Werstler has won the Decatur City Council District 4 seat in a runoff election, defeating Sarah French with 62.86% of the votes. This victory comes after a previous election where Werstler trailed by over 200 votes. French has faced scrutiny due to a past felony conviction, which may have influenced voter perception. The runoff experienced low voter turnout, but both candidates made efforts to encourage community engagement. Werstler’s extensive experience in public service positioned her favorably in the election.
Decatur – Pam Werstler was elected to the Decatur City Council District 4 seat on Tuesday in a runoff election, defeating Sarah French with preliminary vote totals of 562 to 332. This election came after neither candidate secured a majority during the municipal election held on August 26. Werstler’s victory, with 62.86% of the votes compared to French’s 37.14%, marks a significant turnaround as she had previously trailed French by over 200 votes in the earlier election.
The runoff was characterized by low voter turnout, a situation both candidates urged residents to overcome. Sarah French formally conceded the election after the results were announced, reflecting on her campaign and addressing previous allegations of corruption in Decatur.
Throughout her campaign, French faced scrutiny over a felony marijuana possession conviction from 2001, which may have influenced her candidacy. It was reported that French attempted to mislead voters about this felony record, a topic highlighted by her opponents during the campaign. Additionally, the Alabama Attorney General’s office indicated that French was ineligible for the position due to her felony conviction. French also faced criticism for blocking a bridge in protest of the police shooting of Steve Perkins, which brought further visibility to her campaign.
In contrast, Pam Werstler emphasized her extensive professional experience in human resources and public service. She has been actively involved with various local boards and currently serves on the City of Decatur Personnel Board, and is the president of the Decatur Women’s Chamber. During the final hours of campaigning leading up to the runoff, both candidates made significant efforts to engage with voters in their district, seeking to encourage participation despite the low turnout.
A mass mailer campaign targeting French’s criminal record was distributed by Clover PAC before the runoff, which played a role in shaping public perception during the election. Werstler’s focus on her qualifications and community involvement contrasted sharply with the controversies surrounding French, potentially swaying voters in her favor.
The election results represent a critical moment for Decatur, as Werstler’s victory could impact future policies and community initiatives within District 4. As the new council member, she will have the opportunity to implement changes and address the concerns of her constituents in Decatur.
Background Context
This runoff election is a continuation of a competitive political landscape in Decatur, where municipal elections draw significant attention. Candidates face not only voter fatigue but also challenges related to their personal histories and community dynamics. The importance of understanding candidate backgrounds and qualifications is emphasized in tight races like this, where small margins can define the results.
FAQ
Who won the Decatur City Council District 4 seat?
Pam Werstler was elected to the Decatur City Council District 4 seat.
What were the final vote totals in the runoff election?
Werstler won against French with preliminary vote totals of 562 to 332.
What percentage of votes did each candidate receive?
Werstler received 62.86% of the votes, while French earned 37.14%.
What controversy surrounded Sarah French during her campaign?
French faced scrutiny over a felony marijuana possession conviction from 2001 and attempted to mislead voters about her felony record.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Election Result | Pam Werstler elected to Decatur City Council District 4 |
| Vote Totals | Werstler: 562, French: 332 |
| Percentage of Votes | Werstler: 62.86%, French: 37.14% |
| Prior Election Result | Werstler trailed French by over 200 votes |
| Controversies | French’s felony conviction, misleading voters, and public protests |
| Campaign Strategies | Werstler focused on professional experience, French faced scrutiny |
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Additional Resources
- Rocket City Now: Werstler claims victory in Decatur Dist 4 city council runoff
- Decatur Daily: Pam Werstler wins Decatur District 4 city council seat
- 1819 News: Werstler defeats French in controversial Decatur city council district 4 runoff
- Google Search: Decatur City Council elections
- WAFF: Decatur city council candidate concedes municipal election
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