News Summary
The Pontiac mayoral election is heating up as City Council President Mike McGuinness and former City Councilman Kermit Williams prepare for the November general election. McGuinness secured 44.7% in the primaries and aims to tackle housing and municipal issues, while Williams focuses on inclusivity and job creation. The election comes amidst investigations into local officials, raising concerns about leadership. The community is closely monitoring the developments leading up to the general election, reflecting a desire for change.
Pontiac – The Pontiac mayoral race is gearing up for the November general election following recent primary results where City Council President Mike McGuinness secured 44.7% of the votes, and former City Councilman Kermit Williams received 25%. Both candidates are contending to succeed current Mayor Tim Greimel, who is not seeking reelection as he runs for Congress in Michigan’s 10th District. The primary election was part of a wider ballot that included several issues across Oakland County.
McGuinness, who has been actively involved in local governance for four years and has held the position of council president since 2022, aims to address housing issues and complete ongoing projects if elected. His proposed initiatives include the development of new housing opportunities, a youth recreation center, and the conversion of Woodward Loop into a two-way street system. Despite having a past conviction stemming from a 2011 incident involving fraudulent election practices, McGuinness maintains that he has learned from his mistakes and is committed to positive community engagement. He has received support from local residents for his efforts in improving water infrastructure in the city.
Kermit Williams, who served as Pontiac’s District 7 city councilor from 2010 to 2021, focused on inclusivity and community engagement as key components of his campaign strategy. His experience includes leading the city in passing its first charter in 42 years. Currently on sabbatical from his role as the executive director of the advocacy group Oakland Forward, Williams intends to prioritize job creation, enhancing municipal services, education, and infrastructure improvements. His primary victory reflects a community desire for leadership that is representative and inclusive. Williams and his campaign team have outlined plans to connect with every voter ahead of the general election.
The backdrop of this contest includes ongoing scrutiny of the city, with investigations into potential corruption and financial improprieties involving public officials. An FBI probe into Pontiac’s leadership has further complicated the political landscape, contributing to a climate of uncertainty. Former Mayor Deirdre Waterman was unsuccessful in the primary, garnering only 4% of the votes, amid the federal investigation, demonstrating a potential shift in voter sentiment toward new leadership amidst local controversies.
Among other candidates who participated in the Pontiac primary were Mark Holland, Wendell Woods, Alexandria Riley, and Gill Garrett, along with a write-in candidate, Sabrina Jernagin. As the November election approaches, the community will be watching closely to see how these issues unfold and impact voter turnout and candidate support.
In addition to the Pontiac mayoral race, voters in neighboring Novi approved a $120 million bond proposal for updating public safety facilities, with 55% in favor. This bond proposal will facilitate the rebuilding and renovation of aging public safety infrastructure. In Southfield, incumbent Mayor Kenson Siver won 56% of the primary votes and will face former City Council President Sylvia Jordan in the November election.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Oakland County Primary Election Results Highlight Key Races
Local Mayoral Primaries Yield Key Results in Southfield, Pontiac, and Novi
Novi Approves $120 Million Public Safety Facilities Bond Proposal
Michigan’s Primary Election Day: Key Races and Information
Southeast Michigan Prepares for Mayoral Primaries and Local Elections
Novi City Council Election Scheduled for November 4
Walled Lake Remembers Beloved Community Leader Bill Roberts
Pontiac Launches Casa Del Rey Apartments: A New Era of Affordable Housing Begins
Exciting October Events Await in Ferndale and Surrounding Areas!
City Manager Searches Heat Up in Berkley, Royal Oak, and Troy
Additional Resources
- The Detroit News
- Detroit Free Press
- CBS News Detroit
- Wikipedia: 2025 Michigan Primary Elections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
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.
