Two Dothan commissioners announce opposing election plans: Kirkland to step down, Dorsey to run

Commissioner Kirkland announced at a Dothan City Commission meeting that he will not seek re-election to his District 2 seat, while Commissioner Dorsey said he intends to run for another term.

"After much prayer and reflection myself and with a grateful heart, I have decided not to seek reelection as district 2 city commissioner at the end of my current term," Commissioner Kirkland said during the meeting. Commissioner Dorsey said he will seek re-election, telling the commission he had "chose to seek reelection for 2025, August fifth."

The announcements came during the commission's regular public meeting, where both commissioners also thanked city staff and constituents for their support. Kirkland framed his decision as faith-based and said he remains "deeply committed" to remaining engaged in the community as a private citizen. Dorsey described his long ties to Dothan: "I love Dothan. I've chosen to make Dothan my home," and cited his local roots and public-service record in explaining his decision to run.

The commission later placed an ordinance on the agenda calling an election for Aug. 5, 2025 (and a Sept. 16 runoff if necessary); that ordinance was approved by the commission during the same meeting. The transcript does not show any formal motion or vote specifically tied to either commissioner’s announcements; both were made as personal statements during the communication portion of the agenda.

The announcements set up a change in District 2 representation; the commission’s formal election call (ordinance) appears on the agenda and was approved by voice vote during the meeting.