News Summary
The Novi City Council election will occur on November 4, featuring a competitive race with seven candidates aiming for three council seats. Incumbents Priya Gurumurthy and Brian Smith seek re-election alongside newcomers Joe Bertera, Toby Brazwell, Jonathan Gold, Aaron Martinez, and Ed Roney. Justin Fischer is running unopposed for mayor. A significant $120 million public safety bond proposal, focusing on modernizing emergency service facilities, will also be on the ballot during the August primary election.
Novi City Council Election Set for November 4, 2025
The Novi City Council election is scheduled to take place on November 4, 2025, featuring a competitive race with seven candidates vying for three open council seats. Among the candidates, incumbents Priya Gurumurthy and Brian Smith are seeking to retain their positions alongside newcomers Joe Bertera, Toby Brazwell, Jonathan Gold, Aaron Martinez, and Ed Roney.
In the same election, Justin Fischer is running unopposed for re-election as mayor. Each city council position serves a four-year term. The upcoming primary election in August will highlight a significant $120 million public safety bond proposal as the only issue on the ballot. This proposal aims to demolish the existing police station and three fire stations while planning to build new facilities, including enhancements to Fire Station #4.
Candidates Overview
The candidates for the council are:
- Joe Bertera
- Toby Brazwell
- Jonathan Gold
- Priya Gurumurthy (incumbent)
- Aaron Martinez
- Ed Roney
- Brian Smith (incumbent)
Aaron Martinez, known for his previous run against Fischer in the 2023 mayoral election, is now contesting for a council seat. Brian Smith and Priya Gurumurthy are both incumbents hoping for another term on the council. The other candidates—Joe Bertera, Toby Brazwell, Jonathan Gold, and Ed Roney—are newcomers to the council race.
Primary Election Requirements
As established by Novi City Clerk Cortney Hanson, a primary election will proceed if there are at least three times as many candidates as available seats, which is the case here. Candidates will remain on the November ballot unless any withdrawals occur by the April 25 deadline.
Important Election Dates
The filing deadline for candidates officially passed on April 22, marking a crucial milestone in the election process. The November 2025 city council election will determine the future leadership for the city, particularly as it coincides with significant local infrastructure proposals aimed at enhancing public safety.
About the Public Safety Bond Proposal
The proposed $120 million public safety bond aims to fund the demolition of current outdated facilities and construction of new emergency service buildings. Improving the infrastructure surrounding fire protection and law enforcement is meant to provide better service quality to Novi’s residents. This initiative will be the singular focus during the August primary election.
Candidate Information and Voter Engagement
Voters interested in learning more about the candidates and the public safety bond proposal can find comprehensive resources on both Oakland County Clerk’s Election Page and the State of Michigan Election Page. The Oakland County Times is not endorsing any of the candidates, and there is no implication of endorsement through advertising. Additionally, all candidates are invited to participate in interviews, with a processing fee applicable.
In the weeks leading up to Election Day, new interview videos featuring the candidates will be added frequently, allowing voters to gain further insight into their choices on the ballot.
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Additional Resources
- Candidate Interview: Brian Smith for Novi City Council
- Seven Candidates Seek Three Novi City Council Seats
- Candidate Interview: Milanna Jones for Pontiac City Council District 2
- Novi City Council to Interview Candidates for Open Seat
- 2025 Candidate Interviews and Election Information
- Wikipedia: Novi, Michigan
- Google Search: Novi City Council Election 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Novi, Michigan
- Google News: Novi City Council
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
