Detroit’s 2025 election season officially moved forward Friday as the Detroit Election Commission met to confirm the candidates for the August 5 primary. A total of 43 individuals were certified to appear on the ballot, while 27 others were not. Legal challenges and community concerns marked the meeting, which was held at the Department of Elections headquarters in New Center.
Nine appeals remain pending with the Michigan Department of State, which could alter the final ballot. These appeals include candidates trying to get back on the ballot after being ruled ineligible, as well as efforts to remove certified candidates. Until those decisions are made, the city cannot begin printing final ballots. Candidates also have the option to seek a temporary restraining order to pause the ballot process.
The certified mayoral candidates for the August primary are: businessman Jonathan Barlow, former Police Chief James Craig, Council Member Fred Durhal III, businessman Joel Haashiim, former Council President and nonprofit CEO Saunteel Jenkins, Rev. Solomon Kinloch, attorney Todd R. Perkins, Council President Mary Sheffield, and DaNetta Simpson, a two-time previous mayoral candidate.
Appeals related to the mayoral race have been filed by or against Durhal, Craig, and Jenkins. The outcome of those challenges could still impact the mayoral field before the primary.
For the two at-large City Council seats, certified candidates are: Levan Adams, Janee Ayers, James Harris, Shakira Hawkins, Gary Hunter, Valerie Parker, incumbent Council Member Mary Waters, and incumbent Council Member Coleman Young II. Victoria Collier has filed an appeal after being deemed ineligible for the ballot.
In Council District 2, the race includes Roy McCalister Jr., State Rep. Helena Scott, and incumbent Angela Whitfield-Calloway.
District 3 will feature incumbent Council Member Scott Benson and challenger Crantstana Anderson.
District 5 includes George Adams Jr., Willie Burton, Michael Hartt, Esther Haugabook, Tatjana Jackson, Renata Miller, and Michael Ri’chard. Three candidates — Dequincy Hyatt, Chantel Watkins, and Whitney Clarke — are waiting for a decision on their appeals after being disqualified. The Department of State denied the appeal of Dorian Ballard, who sought to run for the District 5 Community Advisory Council.
District 6 includes incumbent Gabriela Santiago-Romero and challenger Tyrone Carter. Jacqueline Sproles, who sought to run in District 6, has filed an appeal. Lisa Carter, a candidate for the District 6 seat on the Board of Police Commissioners, also filed an appeal.
In District 7, certified candidates are Bobbi Johnson, Denzel Hines-McCampbell, Karen Whitsett, and Regina Willis-Ross.
Some races will skip the August primary due to only one certified candidate. These include City Council Districts 1 and 4 and the Board of Police Commissioners races in Districts 2, 4, and 7. Those candidates will move directly to the general election in November.
No candidates were certified to run for Community Advisory Council seats in Districts 4, 5, or 7. The deadline for candidates in Districts 1, 2, 3, and 6 to register is July 22.
Write-in candidates are still eligible to compete in the election as long as they file the required affidavit with the Department of Elections by the last Friday before the August 5 primary.
The meeting brought renewed attention to concerns around the structure and transparency of Detroit’s election oversight. Some attendees questioned whether Council President Mary Sheffield and City Clerk Janice Winfrey should have recused themselves from the certification process, given that both are on the ballot — Sheffield for mayor and Winfrey for re-election. Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallett Jr., who also sits on the commission, stated that recusal was not required.
The Election Commission, as outlined by the City Charter, consists of three members: the City Clerk, the City Council President, and the Corporation Counsel. That structure places sitting candidates in positions to oversee the confirmation of their opponents.
Legal challenges continue to shape the ballot. Ramon Jackson, who attempted to run at-large for Council, and Articia Bomer, who attempted to challenge Winfrey directly, had their appeals denied. Still, the legal process remains open for others to contest the Commission’s decisions.
As of now, the Department of Elections cannot finalize ballot printing. That process remains on hold while the outstanding appeals are reviewed. According to the department, 10 challenges were deemed unsuccessful, but decisions on the nine pending appeals are expected to come from the Department of State.
The implications of these unresolved appeals go beyond the ballot. They touch on broader community concerns about fairness, access, and integrity. The rejection of multiple candidates, some of whom represent emerging voices in Detroit’s political space, raises questions about how accessible and navigable the city’s electoral system really is. And when sitting candidates also hold oversight roles in the election process, the public demands clarity and accountability.
Detroit voters are watching closely. As the city prepares to select its next leadership — from mayor to council to police oversight — the structure and administration of the process is under scrutiny. While the Election Commission moves forward with certifications, the conversation continues across neighborhoods, community centers, and households about who gets to run, who makes the rules, and how decisions are made.
With deadlines approaching, the Department of Elections is expected to make final updates once the Michigan Department of State resolves pending appeals. Any certified write-in candidates will also be added if affidavits are received on time.
The August 5 primary will determine which candidates advance to the November general election, shaping the leadership and priorities of Detroit for years to come.
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