District 7 City Council Race Heats Up in Detroit

News Summary

With Fred Durhal III vacating his City Council seat to run for mayor, four candidates are stepping up to fill the position in District 7. The primary election is scheduled for August 5, as Bobbi Johnson, Denzel McCampbell, Regina Ross, and Karen Whitsett share their unique visions for the community. Key issues include affordable housing, transportation, and public safety, making this a critical election for the approximately 95,000 residents in the district. The chosen candidates will represent diverse community needs in shaping the future of the area.

Detroit is witnessing an engaging race for a City Council seat in District 7, a position left vacant by Fred Durhal III as he pursues the mayoral office. Four candidates are vying for the role, each bringing distinct backgrounds and priorities that reflect the community’s diverse needs. The primary election is scheduled for August 5, with the top two candidates moving forward to the general election on November 4.

The candidates are:

• Bobbi Johnson, 58, a retired employee of the Detroit Water and Sewage Department and president of a neighborhood association. Johnson, a mother of seven from Franklin Park, is championing community involvement and tenant rights.
• Denzel McCampbell, 33, a public policy professional and managing director at Progress Michigan. He aims to enhance housing, transportation, and local resources, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive constituent services program in District 7.
• Regina Ross, 67, a teacher and holder of a doctorate in counseling. Although Ross has previously run for City Council without success, she focuses her campaign on opportunity and safety. She is also a three-time winner of the “Teacher of the Year” award from the Oprah Winfrey Show.
• Karen Whitsett, 57, currently a Michigan House Representative in her fourth term. Whitsett’s legislative focus has included tax foreclosure reforms and services for senior citizens, although she has faced controversy regarding her voting record.

Additionally, three write-in candidates have emerged: Dustin Campbell, McClendon Starks, and a potential candidacy from Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero, who is currently facing challenges regarding her entry.

The District 7 area stretches from Redford to Dearborn Heights, covering communities along Dexter and Livernois/Oakman, and is home to approximately 95,000 residents, according to 2020 U.S. Census data. With such a sizable population, the candidates recognize key issues that must be addressed, including affordable housing, public transportation, crime rates, urban blight, and environmental challenges like flooding and the presence of lead pipes in domestic water systems.

Throughout their campaigns, the candidates have highlighted the need for effective community engagement and innovative developmental strategies, along with increased accountability for landlords regarding the conditions of rental properties. Johnson, for instance, advocates for expanded public transportation services aimed at K-12 students, reinforcing the importance of accessible travel for young residents. In contrast, McCampbell emphasizes a comprehensive approach to equipping neighborhoods with well-resourced city services to meet the various needs of local families.

As election season heats up, candidates are making efforts to connect with voters and articulate their visions for the council. They are committed to transparency and community involvement in decision-making processes, crucial elements that resonate with the constituents of District 7. Each candidate’s goal is to represent the multifaceted needs of their community effectively, ensuring that all residents feel heard and supported amidst the ongoing challenges the district faces.

District 7’s upcoming elections will be critical not only for the individuals who fill the vacant council seat but also for shaping the future of the community itself. As early voting approaches and residents prepare to cast their votes, the candidates will continue to advocate for their platforms, striving to make a lasting impact on the lives of those within the district.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

New Online Voting Tool Launches for Detroit Residents
Competitive Fundraising in Michigan’s 13th District Race
Southeast Michigan Receives Half a Million in Grants for Community Infrastructure Projects
Southeast Michigan Communities Receive Infrastructure Grants
Detroit Mayoral Primary Set to Shape City’s Future
Detroit’s Mayoral Race Heats Up with Nine Candidates
Detroit Mayoral Race Heating Up as Candidates Emerge
Detroit Prepares for Historic Mayoral Election
Detroit: Exploring Belle Isle Park – A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Detroit Mayoral Candidates Focus on Retaining Young Residents

Additional Resources

• Detroit Free Press: Detroit City Council Endorsements
• Wikipedia: Detroit
• Bridge Detroit: District 7 City Council Candidates
• Google Search: Detroit City Council election 2025
• Click On Detroit: City Council Race Poll
• Google Scholar: Detroit City Council elections
• Axios: Detroit City Council Election 2025
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Detroit
• WXYZ: Detroit City Council Tax Options
• Google News: Detroit City Council