August 8, 2025

Oakland County Primary Election Results Highlight Key Races

News Summary

Oakland County’s recent primary elections showed a voter turnout of approximately 18.5%. Key races included Southfield’s mayoral contest with Ken Siver leading, and Pontiac’s race with Mike McGuinness securing a lead. Novi approved a $120 million public safety bond, while library proposals in Oakland Township also passed. The outcomes will shape the upcoming general elections as candidates prepare to address community needs.

Oakland County, MI – The primary election held on August 5, 2025, in Oakland County yielded unofficial results showing a voter turnout of approximately 18.5%, with 33,195 out of 180,136 registered voters casting their ballots. Key races, including mayoral contests in Southfield and Pontiac, saw candidates narrowly advance to the general election set for November 4.

In Southfield, current Mayor Ken Siver secured the lead with 56% of the vote, fending off challenger Sylvia Jordan, who garnered nearly 40%. A third candidate, Ryan Foster, trailed far behind with close to 4%. This decisive win allows Siver to continue his tenure amidst forthcoming community challenges and elections.

Meanwhile, in Pontiac’s crowded mayoral race, Council President Mike McGuinness took the lead with 44.7% of the votes, while former council member Kermit Williams followed with about 25%. McGuinness and Williams, who were among nine candidates vying for the position, will compete for the mayoral seat in the upcoming general election. Notably, McGuinness has a previous conviction for election fraud in 2011 but has expressed regret over his actions and claims to have learned valuable lessons since then.

In Pontiac’s at-large council race, Sennel Threlkeld and Adrian Austin advanced with 30% and 25% of the votes, respectively.

Shifting focus to Novi, voters approved a substantial $120 million public safety facilities bond proposal, receiving nearly 55% support. The bond will fund the construction of new police and fire facilities, two additional fire department locations, and renovations to an existing fire station, marking a significant investment in community safety services.

Oakland Township also saw positive outcomes with the passage of two library-related proposals. A renewal of a 0.1134-mill tax received nearly 78% approval, while a new 0.1412-mill tax gained support from 60% of voters. The revenues from these measures are expected to improve library services, with an estimated $235,000 and $289,000 in revenue anticipated in the first year of implementation.

Further, Northville Public Schools successfully renewed a 0.9357-mill sinking fund millage proposal with support from 71% of voters, reinforcing the community’s commitment to educational infrastructure.

In neighboring Macomb County, the mayoral race in New Baltimore saw Mayor Tom Semaan reelected with 52% of the votes, preparing for a contest against City Councilman Ryan Covert, who received 33%. Additionally, Sterling Heights’ city council primary featured 13 candidates for six council seats; all six incumbent council members progressed to the general election.

Clinton Township approved a significant 10-year proposal for police funding, receiving a robust 63% backing from voters. Ray Township also had success, with two fire-related millage renewals earning the support of 53% and 51%, respectively.

Fitzgerald Public Schools advanced two proposals aimed at borrowing over $42 million for school facilities and a new sinking fund millage authorization, both passing with strong voter support. In contrast, Armada Area Schools faced disappointment, with a proposal to borrow over $12 million for school improvements defeated by a margin of 55%.

The outcomes of the primary elections in Pontiac and Southfield are anticipated to be the focal points in the general election, where candidates will address a variety of local issues and community needs.