Highland Park, Mich. – In the city’s tightly contested mayoral race, longtime community activist Shamayim Harris, known locally as “Mama Shu,” edged out incumbent Mayor Glenda McDonald by a margin of 27 votes, according to unofficial results released Tuesday.
Election outcome and immediate response
Harris received 50% of the vote while McDonald garnered 49%. Both candidates are awaiting final certification of the results. McDonald, reached by phone Wednesday, said she will request a recount and, if the count remains unchanged, will concede the race and wish Harris well.
Candidate background and platform
Harris, 61, is the founder of the nonprofit Avalon Village, an organization dedicated to turning vacant and blighted parcels into community assets. She highlighted her experience as a school administrator, mother, minister, and community builder during the campaign. In a post‑election statement, Harris said, “Highland Park has always had what it needs: its people. For nearly two decades at Avalon Village, we’ve transformed blight to beauty. I am truly honored and overjoyed to get started.”
Her platform includes launching a task force to address vacant land and illegal dumping, focusing on community‑centered public safety, and attracting investment and small businesses to the city of nearly 9,000 residents. Harris also emphasized job‑training programs, entrepreneurship initiatives, and improved citywide communications.
Recount request and election integrity
McDonald confirmed she will file for a recount, citing the slim margin. Harris’s spokesperson, Amber Ogden, reiterated respect for the election process and affirmed Harris’s support for McDonald’s right to request a recount. “She remains focused on serving our community and looks forward to working together for the future of Highland Park once the final results are official,” Ogden told the Free Press.
Community impact and future plans
If confirmed, Harris’s victory would bring a leader with deep roots in local nonprofit work to the mayor’s office. Avalon Village, which grew out of personal tragedy after the loss of Harris’s two sons, now manages more than 40 parcels of land and five houses, including a Homework House for after‑school learning, a marketplace for women entrepreneurs, and a healing space.
Harris, recognized by CNN as one of its Top 10 Heroes in 2023 and named among USA Today’s 2024 Women of the Year, was born in Highland Park and returned to the city in 2003 after growing up in Detroit. She has handed day‑to‑day leadership of Avalon Village to her daughters, Aziza Brent and Kafi Humphrey.
Incumbent’s record
Mayor McDonald led the August primary with 49.6% of the vote and has served on the city council for a full and partial term before assuming the mayor’s office in 2023. Her administration focused on maintaining city services and addressing budgetary constraints.
The final certification of the vote count is expected within the next week, after which the city will determine whether a recount is necessary. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official city communications.
Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.
