HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – Hamtramck’s contentious mayoral race faces new complications as the city clerk is placed on administrative leave and one candidate files a lawsuit challenging his opponent’s eligibility to serve.
Sources confirmed to Local 4 that the case involving the city clerk has been referred to the Secretary of State for investigation, following the discovery of 37 uncounted ballots from election night.
The mayoral race remains undecided, with only 11 votes separating the candidates.
According to unofficial Wayne County election results, Adam Alharbi leads with 2,009 votes, while Muhith Mahmood trails with 1,998 votes.
Legal challenge over residency
Alharbi has filed a lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court against Mahmood, alleging his opponent doesn’t meet the city’s residency requirements.
The lawsuit claims Mahmood lives outside Hamtramck, making him ineligible for office under the city charter, which requires mayoral candidates to have been residents for at least one year when filing to run.
In the lawsuit, Alharbi seeks:
- A court declaration that Mahmood cannot hold office
- A temporary restraining order to prevent City Clerk Rana Faraj from swearing in Mahmood until the case is resolved
Michigan State Police are currently investigating the allegations against Mahmood and Councilman Abu Musa.
Mahmood has strongly denied the accusations.