Bartholomew, Leicht Seek Ann Arbor Third Ward Seat
Voters will choose between two candidates to represent the Third Ward on the Ann Arbor City Council.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Elections
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Democratic candidate Ryan Bartholomew and independent candidate Kenny Leicht are competing for the open Third Ward seat on the Ann Arbor City Council. Both candidates are vying to succeed current representative Ayesha Ghazi Edwin.
Why it matters
The race centers on local governance and future policy direction, as both candidates have stated their support for Proposal E regarding the potential establishment of a municipal utility. Voters are determining who will represent their interests on city-wide economic and infrastructure issues.
Two candidates have officially secured spots on the ballot for the single Third Ward council seat. This election serves to fill the vacancy left in the district's local representation.
The players
Ryan Bartholomew
He is the Democratic candidate for the Ann Arbor City Council Third Ward seat and serves as the policy director for state Representative Carrie Rheingans.
Kenny Leicht
He is an independent candidate for the Third Ward seat who works as a repair and maintenance technician.
Ayesha Ghazi Edwin
She is the current officeholder for the Ann Arbor City Council Third Ward seat.
The details
Ryan Bartholomew, a policy director for state Representative Carrie Rheingans, is running on a platform focused on the city's cost of living. His opponent, Kenny Leicht, is a repair and maintenance technician running as an independent to bypass party affiliation.
Timeline
The election for the city council seat is scheduled for the fall of 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of municipal utility expansion may challenge the candidates on the long-term fiscal viability of Proposal E. This highlights the divide between those prioritizing public control over infrastructure and those concerned about the potential tax or debt burden.
The outcome of this election will directly dictate who represents Third Ward residents on the City Council during upcoming legislative sessions. Voters will ultimately decide how the city approaches local utility management and cost of living challenges through their selection of a representative.
The takeaway
Voters should review each candidate's stated position on Proposal E to understand how their vote might influence the city's approach to municipal utilities. Independent candidates and those backed by major parties bring different organizational priorities to the council, which can affect future city operations.
Further reading
For more on upcoming local races and candidate platforms, visit the Ann Arbor Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WEMU-FM.
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