Detroit Councilmember Secures Ballot Position After Legal Battle

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Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero campaigning in the heart of Detroit.

News Summary

Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero has successfully retained her place on the August 5 primary ballot after resolving a legal dispute over a late campaign finance fee. The councilmember filed a lawsuit against the Detroit Election Commission contending a clerical error led to her disqualification. With over 600 signatures accepted for her nomination, she is now focused on campaigning for a second term amidst various challengers. The Wayne County Clerk’s Office has waived the contested fee, allowing Santiago-Romero to refocus her efforts on representing District 6.

Detroit – City Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero has successfully secured her position on the August 5 primary ballot after a significant legal battle concerning her disqualification. The incumbent councilmember faced removal from the ballot due to a $250 late fee linked to a quarterly campaign finance filing.

Santiago-Romero initiated legal action in the Wayne County Circuit Court against both the Detroit Election Commission and City Clerk Janice Winfrey following her disqualification. The controversy arose from what the councilmember identified as a clerical error. She contends her campaign finance report was filed on time in October 2024, countering the claims that she was late.

A proposed court order is currently pending, requiring mutual agreement between Santiago-Romero’s campaign and the City Clerk’s Office, and is anticipated to be finalized by May 6. This order will formally confirm her placement on the ballot.

Dorian Tyus, a special assistant to the Wayne County Clerk, validated that more than 600 signatures collected by Santiago-Romero for her nomination were accepted. Despite her challenges, the councilmember is actively seeking a second term to represent District 6, which comprises parts of southwest Detroit, downtown, Midtown, and the west side.

Her campaign is expected to face various challengers, including State Rep. Tyrone Carter and Anita Martin. However, the verification status of their nominating petitions is still unclear, a situation that could impact the dynamics of the upcoming primary.

Throughout the legal process, Santiago-Romero expressed gratitude to her community, highlighting the support she received during what she described as the most challenging week of her candidacy. The Wayne County Clerk’s Office later waived the disputed late fee for “good cause,” indicating a resolution to the financial penalties that originally plagued her campaign.

The initial error leading to the late fee occurred when her campaign mistakenly filed the report as a pre-general statement instead of the required quarterly report. Santiago-Romero submitted an email confirmation as evidence that her report was, in fact, filed on time, strengthening her case.

With her disqualification resolved, Santiago-Romero is refocusing her efforts on campaigning and ensuring she represents her district to the best of her abilities. Supporters have rallied around her, reinforcing their belief in her capabilities as a representative of the community.

This unfolding narrative highlights not only the legal intricacies surrounding electoral candidacies but also the dedication of public officials to engage with their constituents, particularly in contested political environments. Santiago-Romero is poised to move forward, ready to continue her work and find solutions for the residents of District 6 as the election date approaches.