‘Growing Concern’ Fueling Haugabook’s Write-in Campaign for Detroit’s District 5

September 16, 2025

Esther Haugabook, a housing advocate who placed third in Detroit's municipal primary, has launched a write-in campaign for the District 5 city council seat. Citing frustrations with the lack of meaningful options on the ballot, Haugabook brings over 30 years of experience in community planning and development to her campaign. She will compete against primary winners Renata Miller, who received 23.

Who is affected

Residents and businesses in Detroit's District 5
Voters in District 5 who now have an additional candidate option
The two leading candidates from the primary (Renata Miller and Willie Burton)
Current District 5 representative and Council President Mary Sheffield
Community organizations and institutions located within District 5

What action is being taken

Esther Haugabook is running a write-in campaign for the District 5 city council seat
Renata Miller is continuing her campaign with labor backing and endorsements
Voters are beginning to vote absentee in the coming weeks
District 5 is experiencing ongoing development as the majority of new development in Detroit happens there

Why it matters

District 5 is one of the most active council districts where the majority of new development in Detroit takes place
The district contains significant landmarks and spans both east and west sides of the city
The council seat represents diverse neighborhoods from Belle Isle to Dexter-Linwood
Haugabook's entry provides voters with an additional choice in the election
The district is undergoing redistricting changes, with Wayne State University moving from District 6 to District 5

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle