Photo courtesy of Esther Haugabook.
Former Detroit City Council candidate Esther Haugabook is ending her write-in campaign she said was encouraged by District 5 residents who weren’t satisfied with either candidate in the general election.
UAW retiree Renata Miller and Board of Police Commissioner Willie Burton face each other in Detroit’s Nov. 4 general election.
“Rather than remain in the City Council race, I will focus on ensuring that the issues I’ve championed — housing affordability, homeowner protections, equitable development, and transparency — are at the center of Detroit’s agenda,” Haugabook said. “I am committed to working alongside leaders, including the incoming Mayor, to advance these priorities for District 5 and for our city as a whole.”
Haugabook launched her write-in campaign on Sept. 16 after finishing third in the District 5 primary behind Burton. She said in a statement Wednesday she’s keeping the door open for another run for council in 2029.
The housing advocate said her decision not to mount the write-in campaign was not a concession, but a redirection.
“I want to thank everyone who believed in my candidacy and in the vision we put forward. Together, we have raised the right issues and created a stronger foundation for Detroit’s future. Detroit needs all of us — working together, holding leaders accountable, and making sure our neighborhoods are not left behind. That commitment does not end here.”
Miller, 57, has been endorsed by Detroit council members Mary Waters and Scott Benson, the UAW, The Black Slate and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights.
Burton, 46, has been endorsed by the Detroit After Party. Former House Speaker Rep. Joe Tate, D-Detroit, told Michigan Chronicle last week he is supporting Burton’s campaign.
District 5 is one of the most active council districts, as the majority of the new development in the city happens there. The district contains most of downtown and Midtown, crossing both the east and west sides of the city.
The district covers Belle Isle to Dexter-Linwood, spanning across West Village, Indian Village, downtown, Brush Park, Boston Edison, New Center and the North End.
The district is home to important landmarks, including the Renaissance Center, Eastern Market, Ford Field, Henry Ford Hospital, the DMC, the DIA and Charles H. Wright Museum and the Dequindre Cut. Wayne State will move from District 6 to District 5 as a result of redistricting changes.
Council president Mary Sheffield became the youngest council member in the city’s history when she was elected in 2014 at 26. She was selected council president by fellow council members in 2022 after winning a third term in District 5. The council president said she’s spoken to several candidates who intend to run for her seat, but wouldn’t be endorsing a candidate.
