Former State Senator Smith Makes Moves for Detroit City Council Seat
Virgil Smith, who was charged with domestic violence and felony firearm, is currently serving five years of probation.
Former State Senator Virgil Smith is taking the initial steps to run for Detroit City Council. The Detroit Department of Elections is confirming that Smith pulled petitions to run for City Council in District 2. That seat is currently held by City Council President Pro Tem George Cushingberry. In 2015, Smith was charged with multiple felonies after getting into an altercation with his ex-wife and shooting at her car. Smith voluntarily resigned from the state senate last year, served 10-months of jail time and is currently on probation. Smith can run for office under a plea agreement struck with the state, but Wayne Country Prosecutor Kym Worthy is moving to void that deal. However, the Michigan Court of Appeals rejected Worthy’s effort earlier this week, saying it’s unnecessary as Smith “appears to have no intention of running for public office.” If his petitions are approved, Smith could run for the Detroit City Council seat this year.
