Denzel McCampbell wins District 7 seat

In Northwest Detroit, District 7 went to Denzel McCampbell.

He defeated Democratic Michigan State Representative Karen Whitsett, who angered many in her party by caucusing with Republicans during last year’s lame duck session.

McCampbell is a former communications director for Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and a Democratic Socialist. He says his message resonates with Detroit voters.

“When we’re talking about delivering on basic needs, making sure that folks can have housing, that they can have food on the table in there, and have what they need to thrive, I think that’s what this moment is about, and we have to make sure that we not only build on it, but work together to deliver on that as well.”

McCampbell says he has a good relationship with Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield after working with her on the Detroit charter commission.

“When I was on the charter Commission, we worked on the Detroiter Bill of Rights, and I really look forward to meeting and coming together on how we can really make sure we’re serving our neighborhoods and really delivering for our neighborhoods, especially in District 7.”

McCampbell is now the second Democratic Socialist on city council after Gabriela Santiago-Romero won re-election.