HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – A Wayne County Circuit Court lawsuit filed by local political activist Robert Davis is challenging the ballot eligibility of multiple candidates in Highland Park’s race for mayor, a legal fight that could reshape the field ahead of the August primary.
Highland Park, a city of about 8,900 residents spanning less than three square miles, currently has a crowded contest for mayor. Candidate lists reviewed this week showed six people running: Joshua LaMere, J. Douglas Hollie, incumbent Mayor Glenda McDonald, Attie Pollard, Shamayim “Mama Shu” Harris, and Elen Robinson.
Davis filed the lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court earlier this month seeking to remove three candidates, Hollie, McDonald, and Robinson, from the August primary ballot.
“It’s important that we have qualified candidates on the ballot,” Davis said.
In court filings, Davis alleged that the candidates made false statements in their affidavits of identity (AOIs) submitted to the city clerk, which he argues violates Michigan election law.
“They did not give their legal name, and proof of this falsity are public court records,” Davis said.
According to court documents, Judge Kathleen McCarthy granted an Order removing Hollie’s name from the ballot.
Davis alleged that the name “J. Douglas Hollie” listed on the candidate’s AOI filings is not his legal name and that his paperwork inaccurately identified the jurisdiction of the office as “Wayne” rather than Highland Park.
Hollie has not responded to requests for comment.
The judge determined Robinson’s name could remain on the primary ballot.
“I want the voters to know there’s ugly people out here with ugly intents, and we can’t let that deter us,” Robinson said.
Davis also alleged Robinson did not use the name she was given at birth in her affidavit.
Robinson said she has used both names legally.
“I do have two legal names. My birth certificate says Elen. My social security says, Elene Robinson. Both of them are my name,” Robinson said.
The judge also ruled that McDonald could remain on the ballot.
“I do not have anything against the person who brought this case,” McDonald said.
Davis alleged that McDonald falsely stated in her affidavit that she has no outstanding campaign reports or fees, claiming her campaign failed to file a statement for the August 2022 primary election and that she owes a $25 fee dating back to 2011.
McDonald had a message to voters.
“I’m going to continue to do the work. I’m going to continue to move this city forward,” McDonald said. “And hopefully they won’t pay attention to any of this distraction, because that’s what it is.”
Davis said he is not done and is filing an appeal to have the additional names removed.
“I’m very confident the law will result in their disqualifications from the ballot,” Davis said.
Separately, candidate Attie Pollard announced on social media this week that he is withdrawing from the mayoral race for personal reasons and apologized to supporters.
For now, the final list of candidates appearing on the August primary ballot remains tied up in the courts.