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Detroit City Council District 6 Race: Longtime State Lawmaker Faces Leftist Incumbent to Represent Southwest

August 19, 2025

The Detroit City Council race in District 6 pits State Rep. Tyrone Carter, a former law enforcement official with decades of legislative experience, against incumbent Gabriela Santiago-Romero, a Democratic Socialist and the council's only Hispanic member. The contest highlights Democratic Party divisions, with Carter drawing support from older, moderate Black residents while Santiago-Romero appeals to Hispanic voters and is backed by grassroots and labor groups.

Who is affected

  • Residents of District 6 in Detroit, particularly the majority Latino population (57.2%) and African American residents (23.6%)
  • Older, politically moderate Black residents who support Carter
  • Hispanic voters who largely support Santiago-Romero
  • Grassroots and labor groups supporting Santiago-Romero
  • The Detroit City Council, which will maintain or change its current composition

What action is being taken

  • Both candidates are actively campaigning for the Detroit City Council seat in District 6
  • Santiago-Romero is refusing corporate PAC money as a campaign stance while maintaining dialogue with corporate leaders
  • Carter is engaging with corporations like DTE while accepting their financial contributions
  • Both candidates are addressing environmental racism and opposing ICE in their platforms
  • Both candidates have failed to report campaign donations before the July 20 filing deadline

Why it matters

  • The race highlights growing ideological divisions within the Democratic Party
  • The outcome will determine whether Southwest Detroit's only Hispanic council member retains her seat
  • The election reflects different approaches to corporate influence in politics
  • The contest will affect representation for District 6, which has a majority Latino population
  • The race demonstrates different political fundraising philosophies within the Democratic Party

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle