Warren, Michigan held its primary election on Tuesday to determine the two finalists who will compete in the November general election for the position of mayor. The current mayor, Jim Fouts, is unable to run for reelection due to the city’s term limits ordinance. Six candidates were vying for the position, including City Council President Patrick Green, Warren Human Resources Department Director George Dimas, state Rep. Lori Stone, Macomb County Commissioner Michelle Nard, former City Council member Scott Cameron Stevens, and resident Alfonso King.
The polls closed at 8 p.m., but as of 11:30 p.m., the Macomb County clerk’s office had not yet reported any results from the primary in Warren. The two candidates with the highest number of votes will advance to the November general election.
Fouts, who has been mayor since 2007, endorsed Dimas as his successor and has been challenging the city’s term limits that prevented him from seeking a fifth term. Fouts and his attorney filed a federal lawsuit arguing that his civil rights were violated, and they are requesting a special election with Fouts’ name on the ballot in addition to the six primary candidates.
Voter turnout started off slow but picked up throughout the day. Some voters expressed their desire for change and to move away from candidates associated with Fouts, citing lawsuits and drama as their main concerns. Others expressed their support for candidates who they believe will continue the progress made under Fouts’ administration.
The legal battle between Fouts and the City Council continued up until the primary election. Fouts’ attorney filed an emergency motion for an expedited review in the U.S. District Court, but no action has been taken so far. The City Council responded by filing a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, calling it a “frivolous” attempt to disrupt the election.
Overall, voters in Warren are eager for change and hope to see the city move forward in a positive direction. The November general election will determine who will replace Fouts as the mayor of Warren.
