© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones' unwelcome announcement

Brenda Jones

Democratic leaders in Detroit are not happy with City Council President Brenda Jones. Jones is mounting a last-minute write-in campaign for the 13th Congressional District. 

Jones is a Democrat but will run as an independent. Jones won a special election to fill the remaining few months of the term after Congressman John Conyers resigned - but she lost the primary election to Democrat Rashida Tlaib.

"It makes no sense," says Jonathan Kinloch, chair of the district's Democratic party. He says Jones has no chance against Tlaib even though she's familiar to many voters in the district.

"Name ID matters when your name is on the ballot," says Kinloch. "She is going to be a write-in candidate who basically announced seven days out that she is running as a write-in candidate. "

Kinloch says it's an unwelcome distraction for a district that's seen its share of controversy. 

The 13th district seat became open when Congressman John Conyers resigned over harassment accusations.

Tracy Samilton covers energy and transportation, including the auto industry and the business response to climate change for Michigan Public. She began her career at Michigan Public as an intern, where she was promptly “bitten by the radio bug,” and never recovered.
Related Content