Twelve-Vote Gap: Mahmood Set to Become Hamtramck Mayor
A Wayne County judge ordered the counting of 37 disputed ballots, shifting the tally in favor of the former council member.
By Ricardo Brooks ·
Muhith Mahmood will assume office as the mayor of Hamtramck on Sunday following a court-ordered recount of absentee ballots.
The Wayne County Board of Canvassers initially excluded 37 disputed absentee ballots from the 2025 election tally. A Wayne County judge recently ruled that those ballots must be included. The new count gives Mahmood 2,089 votes. Current mayor Adam Alharbi holds 2,077 votes. The margin between the two candidates is now twelve votes.
The judge also ruled that Mahmood meets the residency requirements to hold elected office. The court ordered the Board of Canvassers to certify the final results. The board is expected to certify the outcome on Wednesday. Alharbi will remain in office until the swearing-in ceremony on Sunday.
Nabih Ayad, the attorney for Alharbi, stated that the counting process does not necessarily settle the election. Ayad argued that the chain of custody for the 37 ballots was broken. He noted that individuals brought the ballots into a facility two days after the election. Ayad said his team is prepared to challenge the integrity of those specific votes. The legal team is also contesting Mahmood's residency qualifications. Ayad claimed that Mahmood does not currently live in the city of Hamtramck.
Mahmood, a former council member, disputes the residency claim. He stated that he has been living in Hamtramck all along. Earlier this year, he told reporters that he split his time between his Hamtramck home and a residence in Troy. He now asserts that he resides in the city. "I have everything valid, nothing to hide. So I'm not scared of what challenge is going to come up," Mahmood said.
Alharbi released a statement emphasizing the importance of accurate vote counting. He said his client accepts the outcome if state law is followed. Alharbi requested that all absentee votes be accounted for under state procedures. He expressed hope that residents who want every vote considered will not object to the democratic process.
Political consultant Kerry Jackson said the primary goal was to ensure the ballots were tabulated. She noted that voters should not be told their votes do not count. Jackson raised questions about how the city clerk preserved the ballots. She asked whether the ballots were kept in a locked place and if they remained sealed.
Both sides expect the legal battle to continue beyond the certification of results. Ayad described the ongoing conflict as a dance that will persist. Jackson predicted the fight could last until the next election. Mahmood expressed optimism about his ability to serve the community if he follows proper procedures.
