Historic Win: Bainbridge Elects Mayor Who Stands Against the Monkey Farm

This Tuesday, the people of Bainbridge, Georgia elected Sylvia Washington as their new mayor in a historic upset. Mrs. Washington — the first Black woman ever elected mayor in the city’s 200-year history — defeated incumbent Mayor Edward Reynolds, who has held the office since 2010, continuing the political legacy of his father, who served as mayor from 1978 to 2005. Her victory marks the end of an era and a powerful shift toward new leadership in Bainbridge.

Mrs. Washington, a current member of the Bainbridge City Council, has been a vocal opponent of plans to build a massive monkey-breeding facility in the city. She has consistently stated that the council voted to approve the project while she was out of the room during the now-infamous December 2023 meeting in which the deal between Bainbridge and Safer Human Medicine was struck behind closed doors.

Photo: Kristina Martin / Facebook

The council’s decision to record the vote as unanimous, despite Mrs. Washington being denied the opportunity to formally oppose the project, has since become a rallying cry for the Stand Up Bainbridge movement, which continues to fight to prevent the facility’s construction. For many residents, Mrs. Washington’s election represents the arrival of the champion they’ve been waiting for to help stop the project once and for all.

In the days since the election, community members have taken to social media to celebrate the historic win. Local resident Katherine Sabrina Powell wrote in the Stand Up Bainbridge Facebook group, “This moment represents more than just a change in leadership — it symbolizes progress, hope, and the courage of a community ready to move forward together.”

This victory in Bainbridge comes just days after the global release of Species Unite’s new film, 30,000 Monkeys in Our Backyard, which has already been viewed more than 135,000 times on YouTube. If you have not already, please take a moment to check out the film which shares the inspiring story of Bainbridge’s citizens who have united to stop the cruel and dangerous facility — and now, with Mayor Sylvia Washington leading the city, their fight for justice feels closer than ever to being won.