Voters in Michigan are preparing for an impactful Election Day on November 4, 2025. With early and absentee voting already underway, the state’s residents will finalize their choices in critical local races and governance issues that could shape their communities for years to come. The outcomes may also influence next year’s gubernatorial and congressional midterm elections.
Notable Mayoral Elections
The mayoral races in the metro Detroit area are particularly noteworthy. In Detroit, the contest features Rev. Solomon Kinloch, pastor of Triumph Church, challenging the current frontrunner, Mary Sheffield, who serves as the Detroit City Council President. Both are vying to replace outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan, who has announced his intention to run for governor in 2026. Sheffield aims to maintain the city’s progress, while Kinloch emphasizes revitalization efforts in downtown and neighborhood areas.
The mayoral election in Hamtramck, a small city known for its diverse community, has three candidates: City Council member Muhith Mahmood, Adam Alharbi, and write-in candidate Lynn Blasey. The current mayor, Amer Ghalib, was nominated by former President Donald Trump for a diplomatic post, but his nomination is currently stalled in the U.S. Senate due to controversy.
In Dearborn, incumbent Mayor Abdullah Hammoud seeks a second term against engineer Nagi Almudhegi. Hammoud, who has adopted a progressive platform, faces a challenge from Almudhegi, who advocates for a more conservative approach to city governance.
Other prominent mayoral contests include Pontiac, where candidates Mike McGuinness, Kermit Williams, and several write-in candidates vie for the position, and Southfield, where incumbent Kenson Siver faces former Councilwoman Sylvia Jordan.
City Council Races and Governance Proposals
The Detroit City Council is also seeing significant activity. Two open district seats and two at-large positions are up for election. In District 5, Renata Miller, a resident of Indian Village, competes against Willie Burton, a member of the city’s police oversight board. District 7 features Denzel Anton Hines-McCampbell and state Representative Karen Whitsett, both aiming to succeed councilmember Fred Durhal III, who is pursuing a mayoral bid after losing in the August primary.
Citywide, incumbents Coleman Young II and Mary Waters are running for reelection to their at-large council seats against former council member Janee’ Ayers and community relations chief James Harris.
In Sterling Heights, the city council’s six incumbents are seeking reelection against a diverse field of challengers, including former county commissioner Robert Mijac and former deputy county clerk Jackie Ryan.
In Roseville, muralist Ed Stross has initiated a write-in campaign for mayor against incumbent Robert Taylor, who is the sole name on the ballot. Roseville voters will also have five candidates to choose from for three available city council seats, though votes for the late Councilwoman Jan Haggerty will not be counted.
As Election Day approaches, the stakes are high for candidates and voters alike. For those interested in following the results, updates will be available on Freep.com as the polls close on November 4.
