Mahmood Wins Hamtramck Mayoral Race After Ballot Recount

Muhith Mahmood has secured the Hamtramck mayoralty following a judicial ruling that validated the results of a recent recount. A Wayne County judge determined that Mahmood is eligible to hold office after 37 disputed absentee ballots were reviewed. This review shifted the lead, placing Mahmood 12 votes ahead of the initial winner, Mayor Adam Alharbi.

The Wayne County Board of Canvassers is expected to certify the final election results on Wednesday. This certification step follows the legal resolution of the dispute surrounding the 2025 mayoral election. The vote margin turned on the specific handling of absentee ballots that had been previously excluded from the primary count.

Interim City Manager Syed Ahsan stated that the administration is prepared to proceed with the transition. "I think it’s been a long journey both for Muhith and Adam and now that the issue has been resolved, I think it’s better to look forward to moving the city in the right direction," Ahsan said.

Mayor Alharbi’s legal team, however, remains unconvinced by the decision. Nabih Ayad, Alharbi’s attorney, expressed disappointment with the judge’s ruling. Ayad argued that pending criminal investigations into the voting process have not yet been fully addressed. "He’s disappointed in the judge's ruling, and doesn’t see that there’s still pending investigations and criminal investigations on this matter," Ayad said.

Ayad added that the attorney’s office intends to challenge the judicial decision. The legal team is seeking a recount of all absentee ballots submitted during the election. They argue that the current process has not definitively answered who truly won the race.