Wayne County’s election results are in, and the message from the community is clear: strong, steady leadership rooted in justice and accountability is what this community values. Across key races, incumbent officials have not only secured their positions but have done so with resounding support, underscoring the power of consistent and community-focused leadership. In a time when leadership often feels distant and disconnected, we’re standing up for leaders who are grounded, present, and deeply invested in the people they serve.
Kym L. Worthy: A Prosecutor Who Leads with Justice and Vision
Kym L. Worthy has served Wayne County as Prosecuting Attorney since 2004, and her re-election with 81.5% of the vote—totaling 575,808 votes—is a testament to her deep commitment to justice for all. Her opponent, Kerry Lee Morgan of the Libertarian Party, received 18.5%, with 130,359 votes. Worthy’s victory is not just about numbers; it’s about the community’s unwavering support for a prosecutor who has taken on some of the county’s toughest cases and pushed forward reforms that challenge long-standing issues in the justice system.
Her track record speaks volumes. Worthy took national attention when she spearheaded efforts to address Detroit’s massive backlog of untested rape kits, giving voice and long-overdue justice to thousands of victims of sexual assault. This effort, both ambitious and necessary, brought systemic change and set new standards for handling such cases, proving that Worthy’s leadership is about more than maintaining the status quo. She has demonstrated that justice is not just about prosecuting cases but about advocating for victims who have been silenced for too long.
Under her guidance, the Prosecutor’s Office has embraced innovative approaches to criminal justice reform, focusing on programs aimed at reducing recidivism and addressing the root causes of crime. She’s introduced diversion programs for non-violent offenders and mental health courts, as well as improving reentry services for those returning to the community post-incarceration. Worthy understands that real justice goes beyond convictions—it’s about rehabilitation, equity, and providing pathways to new beginnings.
For Wayne County, Worthy’s re-election represents a choice to stay the course with a leader who has proven her dedication to justice, empathy, and fairness. Her advocacy has reshaped the Prosecutor’s Office into one that is transparent, accountable, and deeply connected to the people it serves.
Raphael Washington: A Sheriff Committed to Community and Safety
With nearly all precincts reporting, Sheriff Raphael Washington’s victory is another clear signal of the community’s trust in his leadership. Washington, who received 69.1% of the vote (551,869 votes), has served as Wayne County’s sheriff since his appointment in 2021, with a formal election win in 2022. His opponent, T.P. Nykoriak, received 30.9% with 246,929 votes. This win for Washington reflects the community’s confidence in a sheriff who prioritizes not only crime reduction but also the strengthening of community relations.
Washington’s approach to law enforcement has been marked by a commitment to modernizing police work through data-driven strategies, which allow his office to target high-crime areas with precision. This method has reduced violent crime and increased safety across Wayne County. But Washington’s leadership goes beyond just numbers; he believes in true community policing, where the sheriff’s office serves as a bridge between law enforcement and the people.
Through regular town halls, community outreach, and partnerships with local organizations, Washington has ensured that the sheriff’s office is connected to the voices and concerns of the residents it serves. His emphasis on building trust and cooperation between law enforcement and community members has been critical, especially at a time when this relationship is often strained. By actively engaging with residents, Washington has fostered a community-centered approach to safety, making Wayne County a model of what policing with integrity and transparency can look like.
Beyond policing, Washington has been a staunch advocate for criminal justice reform, focusing on rehabilitation and reentry programs. Recognizing the importance of mental health, education, and job training for those transitioning out of the justice system, he has worked to reduce recidivism and give individuals a chance to reintegrate successfully into society. His vision for law enforcement is holistic, addressing both immediate safety and the underlying social issues that impact it.
Cathy M. Garrett: Ensuring Fair and Transparent Elections for Wayne County
Cathy M. Garrett has served as Wayne County Clerk since 2001, and her re-election with 82.8% of the vote—563,127 votes to be exact—shows a community’s trust in her dedication to fair, transparent, and accessible elections. Her opponent, Joseph H. LeBlanc (LIB), received 17.2% of the vote, totaling 117,326 votes. Garrett’s leadership in the Clerk’s Office has been marked by a relentless focus on making Wayne County’s elections secure, efficient, and available to all eligible voters.
Under Garrett’s guidance, the Clerk’s Office has implemented advanced voting technology and rigorous security protocols, safeguarding the electoral process from start to finish. Her commitment to voter outreach and education has empowered residents, ensuring they have the resources and information needed to make informed decisions at the polls. Garrett’s office has consistently worked to streamline services, reduce wait times, and make essential records more accessible. Her approach to public service is not just about efficiency; it’s about ensuring that every resident feels valued and that their voice matters.
Garrett’s re-election signals the community’s endorsement of a leader who values integrity and transparency in the democratic process. In a time when voting rights are at the forefront, her role in Wayne County is critical in ensuring that every vote counts and that every voter is empowered.
Bernard J. Youngblood: A Guardian of Property Rights
For over two decades, Bernard J. Youngblood has served as Wayne County’s Register of Deeds, and his re-election, with 71.4% of the vote (563,709 votes), speaks to his ongoing commitment to protecting property rights across the county. His opponent, Afaf Ahmad (R), received 28.6%, with a total of 225,458 votes. Youngblood’s work has focused on making property records more accessible, transparent, and secure for Wayne County residents.
One of Youngblood’s significant contributions has been the implementation of the Fraud Alert System, which notifies homeowners of suspicious property transactions, helping prevent illegal deeds and fraudulent activity. His dedication to safeguarding homeowners’ rights reflects his commitment to equity and fairness, especially for vulnerable populations who are often targeted by fraud. Youngblood’s work ensures that property rights are protected, giving residents peace of mind and security over their assets.
By modernizing the Register of Deeds office, Youngblood has made property records easier to access and manage, ensuring that residents can efficiently navigate these essential documents. His leadership has shown that protecting property rights is about more than documentation; it’s about advocating for residents and making sure they feel safe and supported in Wayne County.
Moving Wayne County Forward Together
These election results reaffirm Wayne County residents’ confidence in leaders who know the community and are committed to its progress. From Kym Worthy’s dedication to justice and reform, Raphael Washington’s approach to community-first policing, Cathy Garrett’s leadership in election integrity, to Bernard Youngblood’s commitment to safeguarding property rights—these leaders have earned their seats not just through promises but through action.
For Wayne County, this election cycle is more than a collection of races. It’s a shared commitment to uplift and protect each other through leadership that listens, acts, and understands the people. The community has spoken, choosing proven leaders who are ready to continue pushing Wayne County toward a future of safety, justice, and unity.