Adam Alharbi wins Hamtramck mayoral race by 6 votes; recount expected -- what we know Wayne County Board of Canvassers certified election results on Nov. 18
HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – Adam Alharbi has won Hamtramck
But a recount may be coming
BY THE NUMBERS
Final Vote Count:
Adam Alharbi: 2,066 votes (44.62%)
Muhith Mahmood: 2,060 votes (44.49%)
Margin of Victory: 6 votes
Rejected Ballots: 150 initially (signature issues), 120 counted
Mystery Ballots: 37 (found later, not counted)
HOW WE GOT HERE
Election Day: Initial count showed Alharbi leading by 11 votes
The Complications:
150 absentee ballots need signature fixes
37 absentee ballots discovered in the clerk’s office
City Clerk placed on administrative leave while the issue was sorted out
County Board refused to count the 37 found ballots
Alharbi filed a residency lawsuit against Mahmood
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Alharbi (Winner):
“Feeling good. It’s finally over, and now our focus is going to be on fixing our city and solving the issues residents are facing every day.”
On Potential Recount:
“I believe we will still be ahead in the election results. He has the right to do that, and we will see what happens next.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
Mahmood’s team is requesting a recount by the end of the week
He must pay for it up front
Money will be refunded if the results change in his favor
The 37 uncounted ballots’ impact will remain unknown
WHY IT MATTERS
This extremely close race highlights the importance of every vote and proper election procedures in local democracy.
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About the Author Lauren Kostiuk headshot Lauren Kostiuk is an award-winning journalist who joined the Local 4 team in April 2025. She spent several years honing her skills in newsrooms across the country before returning home to Metro Detroit.
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