As the summer season heats up, so does Alabama’s 2025 municipal election season. In Hoover, the mayoral race between incumbent Mayor Frank Brocato and Police Chief Nick Derzis is gearing up for the final rundown to Election Day.
Both candidates have strong, long-term connections to the city and proven records of service to its ever-growing population. While their concerns are similar, their priorities differ. However, the candidates have one big thing in common: They care about Hoover.
So, what’s a voter to do? Inform yourself, weigh the options, and cast your vote on August 26.
Photo courtesy of Frank Brocato for Mayor
Mayoral Candidate Frank Brocato
In 2016, after serving for over four decades in the Hoover Fire Department in positions ranging from paramedic to fire marshal, Frank Brocato decided to run for mayor. He was elected to office then and again in 2020.
“I didn’t run to be political,” he said. “I ran because I love Hoover and knew I could make a difference by leading with transparency, collaboration, and a long-term vision for growth. That motivation hasn’t changed.”
Brocato’s top concerns during this election cycle include smart and balanced growth that doesn’t sacrifice quality of life, maintaining elite police and fire departments, and upgrading infrastructure and city services to meet demand. Other concerns include strong financial stewardship, preserving a strong city-school relationship, and overall quality of life.
“I want to leave a legacy of thoughtful, sustainable progress,” he said. “That means completing major projects like the new I-459 interchange, building a long-overdue performing arts center, protecting our neighborhoods, and keeping Hoover a safe, beautiful, and welcoming place for the next generation.”
Why does Brocato believe he’s the right person for the job?
“Because I’ve done it, and I’ve done it well,” he said. “I know how this city works, and I’ve led the city through extreme social unrest and COVID. I believe I’ve led with integrity, experience, and transparency. I’m not afraid to make tough calls when something isn’t right for the city, but I always keep an open door. That combination of accountability and accessibility is what Hoover needs.”
Photo courtesy of Frank Brocato for Mayor
Should Brocato be re-elected, what will be at the top of his to-do list for the first day of the new term?
“Finalizing land and design for Hoover’s performing arts center. We’ve made it a priority because it's not just a building, it’s an economic and cultural driver that will serve schools, residents, and tourism,” he said. “Riverwalk will have a $2.5 billion economic impact that we will continue to work on. At the same time, I’ll continue addressing infrastructure and our older neighborhoods. It’s about laying the foundation literally and figuratively for the future of Hoover.”
Photo courtesy of Derzis for Mayor
Mayoral Candidate Nick Derzis
The backdrop for Nick Derzis’s announcement that he was entering the mayor’s race was the Patton Creek Shopping Center, what he called “an underperforming blight” in the city. He also cited The Galleria’s need to evolve. Derzis believes fresh new leadership is the key to dealing with these and other challenges the city faces.
“Hoover is a wonderful place to live, to work, to raise a family, and for children to receive an education,” he said. “I’ve dedicated my life to serving Hoover, a city I love. However, we face real challenges that cannot be ignored. Hoover deserves transparent leadership with a clear plan for progress. That’s why I’m running.”
Derzis’s top priority is “restoring trust through transparent and accountable governance.” Other top concerns include public safety, fiscal responsibility, education, revitalizing underperforming properties, and promoting responsible, strategic growth to support existing and new businesses.
“I aim to rebuild trust with the community through transparency and restore calm,” he said. “I’ll focus on maintaining excellence in public safety, education, and parks and recreational areas while fostering strategic growth initiatives and revitalizing neglected areas. I’ll work to diversify Hoover’s economy, bringing in new businesses, restaurants, and other amenities that will fuel the city’s growth and support sports tourism.”
Why does Derzis believe he’s the right man for the job?
“My motto as Police Chief is, ‘If you fail to plan, your plan will fail,’” he said. “I anticipate threats to community safety and develop response plans, hoping we’ll never need them. I’ve led the largest department in the city with focus and dedication. I have a proven track record of working collaboratively, solving problems, and getting things done. I’m committed to putting people first, bringing that same leadership to the mayor’s office.”
Photo courtesy of Derzis for Mayor
Should Derzis be elected, what will be at the top of his to-do list for the first day of the new term?
“On day one, we’ll start immediately with the groundwork laid during the transition,” he said. “I’ll meet with all
city councilors, department heads,
and first responders to set the tone for transparency, fiscal responsibility,
and accountability. I’ll emphasize that the voices of Hoover residents matter, and we’re committed to serving them with integrity from the very beginning.”
Important Voting Information
Hoover’s Municipal Election will take place on August 26, 2025. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
If you are unsure of your polling place, you can confirm your voter information on the Alabama Secretary of State’s website, sos.alabama.gov. You may also contact the Board of Registrars' office in the county where you live to request voter information.
If you are eligible to vote but have not yet registered, you may register online at the Alabama Secretary of State website, sos.alabama.gov. You may also request that a voter registration form be mailed to you by calling the Board of Registrars' office in the county where you live.
PLEASE NOTE: For any election, the last day to register to vote or update your voter registration is the 15th day before the election.