Daphne Mayor Robin LeJeune announced his plans to run for re-election this election season.

In a statement emailed May 14, LeJeune said it is his goal to continue the development of Daphne’s community as he seeks another four years as mayor of the Jubilee City.

“When I took office in 2020, my goal was clear — to continue to work to make Daphne an exceptional community where residents, businesses and families can truly thrive,” LeJeune said. “By listening to our citizens and working closely together, we've made meaningful progress in enhancing the quality of life throughout our city, and I’m excited about continuing that momentum.”

LeJeune listed accomplishments and initiatives under his first term, including infrastructure projects, improving public safety, expanding economic development and improving quality of life for residents of Daphne through expanded recreational opportunities. LeJeune said his administration also secured over $20 million in federal and state grant funds to help pay for those projects.

As the area and Baldwin County continue to grow at a rapid rate, LeJeune said these infrastructure and quality-of-life upgrades are important to the future of Daphne.

LeJeune ran in the 2020 election after former mayor Dane Haygood decided not to seek re-election. LeJeune defeated Steve Carey in a runoff, winning 63% of the vote. Before becoming mayor, LeJeune previously served as a member of Daphne City Council for eight years, including one year as council president. He was also the owner and manager of the Market by the Bay restaurant for nearly two decades.

“Smart infrastructure relies on careful planning and strong partnerships,” LeJeune said. “During my first term, we’ve invested millions of dollars in infrastructure projects and secured key grants — $1 million to upgrade sewer lift stations and protect our waterways, $3 million in stormwater upgrades, $2 million to widen and resurface U.S. 90 and $1.2 million to finish the Pollard Road sidewalks. Together with targeted upgrades on County Roads 13 and 64, Highways 181 and 98, I-10, Main Street and other key corridors, these improvements demonstrate our commitment to responsible growth and careful stewardship of taxpayer resources.”

Other accomplishments he listed included investments in the fire department, including $3 million in new fire trucks, the opening of a new fire station and staffing every fire truck with full medic capabilities. His administration has also invested in a new patrol building, a new courtroom, upgraded police and firefighter uniforms, implemented health screenings and increased pay to support recruitment and retention of first responders.

In recreation, LeJuene secured more than $12 million in federal GoMESA grants to fund projects without increasing taxes, with investments including various upgrades and expansions to the city’s parks, more than $5 million in improvements to the Daphne Sports Complex, renovations to Centennial Park and nearly $1 million in enhancements at Lott Park, along with the construction of a new 2,400-seat amphitheater at Bayfront Park, expected to begin this summer.

LeJuene also expressed his pride in the opening of a new state-of-the-art animal shelter on Johnson Road.

“This facility was designed not just for today, but for the growth we know is coming in the next 10 to 15 years,” LeJeune said. “Every detail — from the air circulation to the easy-to-clean floors — was made to reduce anxiety for the animals, helping them become more adoptable and find loving homes faster.”

LeJeune and his wife, Christina, have three children: Alexis and her husband Trace Busby, Liberty, and Xander. They also have a grandchild, Eloise, born to Alexis and Trace.

Municipal elections across Baldwin County and the state will be held Aug. 26. Lawmakers voted in 2021 to postpone city elections, extending the terms of those elected in 2020 by one year.

Officials said the move was made to be able to hold municipal elections on an off-year from the presidential election, citing poll worker fatigue, voter confusion over voting venues and equipment shortages as reasons for the shift.