Detroit Election Results: City Council Incumbents Fight Off Challengers

November 5, 2025

Detroit's City Council elections featured three competitive district races that could significantly shift the council's political composition, with Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates competing in Districts 5, 6, and 7. While DSA member Gabriela Santiago-Romero won reelection in District 6 and Denzel McCampbell secured victory in District 7, UAW-backed Renata Miller led in District 5 against DSA candidate Willie Burton. These results will influence how the council interacts with Detroit's incoming mayor, particularly regarding neighborhood investment priorities and the balance between progressive spending proposals and fiscal constraints following the end of federal pandemic relief funding.

Who is affected

Detroit City Council members (incumbents and newly elected)
Democratic Socialists of America candidates: Gabriela Santiago-Romero (District 6 winner), Denzel McCampbell (District 7 winner), and Willie Burton (District 5, trailing)
Incumbent council members: James Tate (District 1), Latisha Johnson (District 4), Scott Benson (District 3), Mary Waters and Coleman A. Young II (at-large)
Challengers: Renata Miller (District 5, leading), Tyrone Carter (District 6, defeated), Karen Whitsett (District 7, defeated), Roy McCallister (District 2), and others
Detroit residents across all seven council districts
Detroit's next mayor (whose agenda will be influenced by council composition)
Families and children in District 7 (noted as having second-most children)

What action is being taken

The Detroit Elections Department is uploading the latest vote totals to its website
Votes are being counted and unofficial results are being reported
Angela Whitfield Calloway was rallying supporters with a megaphone outside a polling location
Scott Benson's office is collaborating with the city's blight reduction program to eliminate trash and clean up derelict properties
The Historic Indian Village Neighborhood Association is 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 the council's political direction and its relationship with Detroit's next mayor, particularly regarding spending priorities and governance philosophy. The presence of Democratic Socialist candidates signals a potential shift toward progressive policies focused on neighborhood investment and reducing corporate influence in city politics. However, the city faces increased financial scrutiny without federal pandemic relief dollars, creating tension between progressive spending ambitions and fiscal responsibility. The outcome affects how Detroit addresses issues like affordable housing, small business development, youth programming, sustainable neighborhoods, and community-led development across diverse districts with different demographic needs.

What's next

McCampbell stated council needs to work on expanding opportunities for families to access youth programming in District 7. No other explicit next steps are stated in the article beyond candidates assuming or continuing their terms in office.

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle