Detroit Unofficial Election Results: City Council Incumbents Fight Off Challengers

November 5, 2025

Detroit held competitive City Council elections across multiple districts, with particular attention on whether Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates would gain seats and potentially influence the next mayor's agenda. The races featured a mix of incumbent councilmembers defending their seats against challengers, including progressives advocating for community-led development and affordable housing versus candidates with union backing and establishment support. Early unofficial results showed several incumbents maintaining their positions, including Gabriela Santiago-Romero in District 6, while Democratic Socialist Denzel McCampbell won in District 7 against controversial state Representative Karen Whitsett.

Who is affected

Detroit residents across seven city council districts
Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) Detroit members: Willie Burton (D5), Gabriela Santiago-Romero (D6), and Denzel McCampbell (D7)
Incumbent council members: James Tate (D1), Angela Whitfield Calloway (D2), Scott Benson (D3), Latisha Johnson (D4), Mary Waters and Coleman A. Young II (at-large)
Challengers: Renata Miller (D5), Roy McCallister (D2), state Rep. Tyrone Carter (D6), state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D7)
Detroit's next mayor
Families and children in District 7 (second-highest child population)
Small businesses and neighborhood residents seeking investment

What action is being taken

The Detroit Elections Department is uploading the latest vote totals to its website
Votes are being counted with unofficial results being reported
Santiago-Romero is serving as incumbent Councilwoman in District 6
Benson is chairing the city's Green Task Force and collaborating with the city's blight reduction program
The Historic Indian Village Neighborhood Association is engaged in a legal fight to gain control of its bank account, P.O. Box, taxes and email newsletter

Why it matters

The election results will determine whether Democratic Socialists gain influence on the Detroit City Council, which could significantly impact the next mayor's agenda and policy priorities. DSA-backed candidates advocate for shifting political power away from corporate interests toward community investment, affordable housing, and neighborhood development, while critics warn about fiscal responsibility concerns as the city operates without federal pandemic relief dollars. The composition of the council will affect how Detroit balances progressive initiatives with financial constraints, influencing everything from development projects and housing affordability to youth programming and small business support across the city's diverse districts.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle