Election Day 2025 in Southeast Michigan: Key Races and Voting Guide

Election Day 2025 in Southeast Michigan is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4. Voters across the region are preparing to head to the polls to participate in essential local elections.

Key Races in Southeast Michigan

Several critical races are shaping the political landscape this election cycle, particularly in the metro Detroit area. Residents will vote on mayoral positions, city council seats, municipal proposals, and bond issues.

Detroit Mayoral Race

The Detroit mayoral race features a significant contest between the Rev. Solomon Kinloch and City Council President Mary Sheffield. Kinloch, a pastor at Triumph Church, aims to disrupt Sheffield’s lead in both polling and funding. This election follows the decision of outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan to focus on a gubernatorial campaign for 2026.

Detroit City Council Elections

Detroit will also hold elections for multiple city council positions. Key matchups include:

• District 5: Renata Miller vs. Willie Burton, a police oversight board commissioner.
• District 7: Denzel Anton Hines-McCampbell vs. state Rep. Karen Whitsett.

Furthermore, incumbents Coleman Young II and Mary Waters are vying for reelection to at-large seats, competing against former council member Janee’ Ayers and James Harris of the Detroit Fire Department.

Hamtramck Mayoral Election

In the Hamtramck mayoral race, three candidates are competing to succeed Amer Ghalib, who was nominated by former President Donald Trump for ambassadorship. The candidates include City Council member Muhith Mahmood, Adam Alharbi, and write-in candidate Lynn Blasey.

Dearborn Mayoral Challenge

Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud seeks reelection against engineer Nagi Almudhegi. Hammoud aims to highlight his progressive policies, while Almudhegi presents a conservative alternative promising “common sense” governance.

Pontiac Mayoral Contest

Pontiac’s mayoral race is crowded, featuring Mike McGuinness and Kermit Williams, along with write-in candidates Jashon Gilmore, Sabrina Jernagin, and Wendell Woods. McGuinness currently serves on the city council, while Williams is involved with Oakland Forward.

Southfield Mayoral Race

In Southfield, incumbent Kenson Siver faces former Councilwoman Sylvia Jordan in a competitive race for mayor.

Sterling Heights City Council

The Sterling Heights city council race includes six incumbents — Deanna Koski, Michael Radtke, Maria Schmidt, Liz Sierawski, Henry Yanez, and Barbara Ziarko — competing against challengers Daniel Acciacca, Teri Brinker, Rick McKiddy, Robert Mijac, Jackie Ryan, and Moira Smith.

Roseville Mayor and City Council

In Roseville, muralist Ed Stross has announced a write-in campaign for mayor against incumbent Robert Taylor. Voters will also consider five candidates for three available city council seats, although votes cast for the late Councilwoman Jan Haggerty will be invalidated.

Voter Information

For more details on the candidates and races, voters can consult the El-Balad voter guide. Election results will be available on El-Balad after the polls close on November 4, 2025.