Perkins declines to endorse either candidate in Selma mayor race

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. announced Wednesday that he will not to endorse either candidate in the Sept. 26 runoff election for mayor.

Selma voters will select Johnny Moss III or Aaron Roper as their next mayor. Perkins came in third in the Aug. 26 election, missing the runoff by 26 votes.

“I have decided not to endorse either candidate in the upcoming mayoral runoff election,” Perkins said in a statement emailed Wednesday night. “As I have previously stated, my focus as the current mayor is to help position Selma for a successful leadership transition, while continuing to hope and pray for the city's continued progress and bright future.”

Perkins said in his statement that voters should not interpret a photograph circulating on social media of him giving a check to Roper as an endorsement. Perkins said the photo, which was taken in January 2022, depicts Perkins and members of his church, Ebenezer Baptist Church, giving a check to Roper, who is representing Green Street Baptist Church.

“I want to be clear that this photograph has no connection to the current mayoral runoff election and only reflects a church-to-church financial contribution,” Perkins said. Ebenezer Baptist Church is not endorsing either candidate, he said.

Here is the full text of Perkins' statement: 

September 3, 2025

Public Statement from James Perkins, Jr.

Re: No Endorsement

After much prayer and reflection on the past 35 years, I have decided not to endorse either candidate in the upcoming mayoral runoff election. As I have previously stated, my focus as the current mayor is to help position Selma for a successful leadership transition, while continuing to hope and pray for the city's continued progress and bright future.

Additionally, I want to address a photograph that has recently resurfaced on social media. The image shows members of Ebenezer Baptist Church and me presenting a donation to Green Street Baptist Church for their recovery efforts. This event took place in January 2022. In the photo, Green Street was represented by its church member, Mr. Aaron Roper. I want to be clear that this photograph has no connection to the current mayoral runoff election and only reflects a church-to-church financial contribution. However, because of the timing of its reappearance, I feel it is necessary to clarify for the record that Ebenezer Baptist Church has not endorsed, and will not endorse, any candidate in this election. Our focus remains on praying for improved morality and integrity within the nation and especially within our community.

Lastly, I strongly encourage every citizen to carefully evaluate each candidate and make your voice heard by casting your vote.

In advance, thank you for sharing this statement.

James Perkins, Jr.

Incumbent Mayor

Former Mayoral Candidate (2025)