Unofficial results from the May 7 Ypsilanti special election determined that Council Member Desiraé Simmons will retain her seat on city council.
The recall campaign was a citizen-led effort sparked by Simmons’ decision to abstain from voting on a multi-million dollar city building purchase.
Simmons had previously stated she wanted to do her best to serve all of the individuals affected by the situation. When the purchase was brought to the council again, Simmons abstained, citing the need for more new information.
Enough petition signatures were received and processed by February 9, requiring a special election to be held.
The Ward 3 special election drew in a total of 897 cast ballots, about 15% of the 5,830 eligible registered voters. Simmons won by about 38 votes.
Her challenger, Rod Johnson, who has said he’s a lifelong democrat, appeared on the ballot as an independent in order to run against Simmons, who won as a democrat in 2022.
When the recall campaign began, Simmons found support in the community she was elected to represent.
“I’m only here because of the people,” Simmons said.
Simmons will continue her term until it ends in 2026.
