Hon. Mary Waters

Mary Waters’ story begins not in politics, but in the cotton fields of Alabama — a humble foundation that shaped her grit, faith, and unwavering work ethic. After moving to Detroit and graduating from Detroit Northern High School, she built her future in the very city she would later serve.

She earned her accounting certification from the Detroit Business Institute and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, preparing herself for a life of impact. A former three-term State Representative and historic Democratic Minority Floor Leader, Mary has long paired discipline with results — advancing expungement reform, directing resources to Detroit, and protecting working families.

On City Council, she has hosted deed fraud town halls to safeguard homeowners, launched tax relief initiatives, and championed small and minority-owned businesses and skilled trades pathways. Mary Waters is not a traditional politician. She is a true public servant — grounded, accessible, and relentlessly focused on protecting families and strengthening Detroit’s future.