Flint Will Hold City Council Election November 3

Voters will select candidates for nine city council seats following a primary held in August.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a geometric building facade, evoking the institutional gravity of a municipal election process. — Flint voters head to the polls November 3 to fill nine city council seats following a turbulent redistricting and candidate qualification cycle. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you trust that your local council ballot offers sufficient choices for your community?

Flint residents will cast ballots in the general election for nine city council seats on November 3, 2026. This election follows the primary held on August 4, 2026, and a period of redistricting.

Why it matters

The election process reflects major shifts in city representation following the 2020 census and subsequent redistricting. Several incumbents are not seeking reelection or were disqualified, setting the stage for significant changes in local leadership.

Nine city council seats are up for election. Voters in the 4th Ward will see write-in candidates Judy Priestley and Tracy Frazier on the ballot.

The players

Leon El-Alamin

He is a city council candidate who faces domestic violence charges and election fraud allegations regarding his residency.

Tonya Burns

She is the incumbent for the 6th Ward who is not seeking reelection because she is running for mayor.

Judy Priestley

She is running as a write-in candidate for the 4th Ward council seat.

Tracy Frazier

She is running as a write-in candidate for the 4th Ward council seat.

The details

The upcoming general election concludes a cycle marked by candidate disqualifications across multiple wards and legal challenges, including election fraud allegations against candidate Leon El-Alamin. Incumbent Tonya Burns is vacating her 6th Ward seat to run for mayor, while several other seats feature new contenders.

2020: The census was conducted, resulting in citywide redistricting.
2021: A city council election occurred followed by further redistricting.
August 2024: Candice Mushatt was elected to the 7th Ward seat.
August 4, 2026: The primary election was held for city council seats.
November 3, 2026: The general election will be held for nine city council seats.

Political Context

Opponents argue that the recent candidate disqualifications and legal challenges reflect a breakdown in the city's election integrity protocols. These critics point to the complexity of the post-redistricting map as a source of confusion for both candidates and voters.

Residents will be choosing representatives who will shape city policy following the implementation of new ward boundaries. Voters should confirm their specific ward and ballot status prior to the November 3 election.

The takeaway

The November general election will be a defining moment for Flint as it moves past a cycle of redistricting and candidate legal challenges. Voters will determine the path forward for city governance by selecting leaders for all nine council seats.