August 7, 2025

Local Mayoral Primaries Yield Key Results in Southfield, Pontiac, and Novi

News Summary

The recent mayoral primaries in Southfield and Pontiac showcased significant support for incumbent leaders and front-runners. In Southfield, Mayor Kenson Siver secured 56% of the vote. In Pontiac, City Council President Mike McGuinness gained nearly 45%, promising a transparent campaign despite previous convictions. Novi voters supported a public safety facilities bond, allowing the city to borrow up to $120 million. Overall, the Oakland County primary saw a turnout of 18.5%, highlighting active civic engagement ahead of upcoming elections.

Southfield – The recent mayoral primary in Southfield has resulted in incumbent Mayor Kenson Siver securing approximately 56% of the vote, while former City Council President Sylvia Jordan received nearly 40%. Ryan Foster trailed significantly, obtaining about 4% of the votes. The general election for the mayoral race in Southfield is set to take place on November 4, 2025.

In Pontiac, City Council President Mike McGuinness emerged as a front-runner with nearly 45% of the votes, while former council member Kermit Williams followed with 25%. A total of nine candidates, including two write-in candidates, were vying for the mayoral seat in Pontiac. Despite having a conviction for election fraud in 2011, McGuinness has committed to a clean and transparent campaign in the upcoming general election.

In Pontiac’s at-large council race, Sennel Threlkeld garnered nearly 30% of the votes, while Adrian Austin received about 25%, both qualifying for the general election. The voter turnout for the primary election across Oakland County was about 18.5%, with 33,195 out of 180,136 registered voters participating.

Meanwhile, in Novi, residents approved a public safety facilities bond proposal to allow the city to borrow up to $120 million for new police and fire facilities. This proposal gained significant support, with 55% of voters in favor. To finance the bond, a tax estimate of 1 mill will be levied starting in 2026, with an average annual rate of 0.95 mills required to retire the bonds.

In Oakland Township, voters passed two library-related proposals. The first was a renewal of a 0.1134 millage for four years, which was approved with nearly 78% support. The second was a new 0.1412 millage for five years, receiving 60% of the vote. The renewal millage is expected to generate about $235,000 in its first year, while the new millage is projected to raise around $289,000.

Voters from the Northville Public Schools district renewed a 0.9357 mill sinking fund millage, which will bring in over $4 million if approved, with 71% of voters supporting the measure. However, a proposal from the Armada Area Schools to borrow over $12 million was rejected by 55% of voters.

In contrast, two proposals from Fitzgerald Public Schools, including a $42 million bond for school facilities, were passed with more than 57% of the vote. In Macomb County, Clinton Township residents approved a 10-year plan to fund police apparatus with nearly 63% support. Ray Township residents also approved two fire-related millage renewals, which are expected to collect over $491,700 and $327,800 in their first year, respectively.

An updated summary of the official election results will be provided following the certification by the county’s board of canvassers.