By Kate Stockrahm
Flint’s Eighth Ward voters will see a primary election for their next Flint City Council representative, after all.
Following challenges to their disqualifications put forward by potential Eighth Ward candidates Monica Doss and Brandan Jamison in late April, the Flint City Clerk’s Office overturned Jamison’s disqualification early last week.
“After fighting hard to reverse my disqualification for city council we WON!!!” Jamison posted to his Facebook page on May 6, 2026. “I’m officially back on the ballot for the 8th ward!! Never accept defeat and fight for everything you want in life, this is exactly why you should vote for me for city council’s 8th ward! I’ll never stop and I don’t take NO from anyone ever! I feel like we made history today!!!”
Flint City Clerk Davina Donahue did not respond to East Village Magazine’s (EVM) request for information on what caused her office to overturn its original determination for Jamison by press time.
Genesee County Clerk/Register Domonique Clemons separately confirmed to EVM that the outcome will mean a primary election for Eighth Ward voters on Aug. 4, as Jamison’s inclusion in the candidate pool means there are now three qualified candidates running for the ward’s seat: Ezekiel Harris, Brandan Jamison, and Casey Lester. (A primary is required for races with three or more candidates, as only two candidates move forward to the general election ballot.)
But Jamison is not the only candidate who saw their disqualification overturned recently.
Following the challenge deadline on April 28, Clerk Donahue confirmed to EVM that she had also received a complaint from potential Third Ward candidate Paradise Williams, which her team was reviewing.
According to an updated unofficial candidate listing from the Genesee County Clerk’s office on May 7, that investigation resulted in Williams’ disqualification being overturned, too. However, as there is only one other qualified candidate running in the Third Ward, those voters will not see a primary election this August.
Instead, Third Ward residents will find Williams’ name listed on their general election ballot in November, when she will be competing for the seat against current First Ward Flint City Councilman Leon Al-Alamin and possible write-in candidates.
Given the shuffle, here’s an updated summary of the qualified candidates in wards with a primary election, as of May 11:
First Ward
- Debra J. Coleman
- Cynthia Haynes
- Arthur Woodson
Second Ward
- Maurice D. Davis
- Laquindra Hodge
- Lashawn Johnson (Current Third Ward Incumbent)
- Ladel Lewis (Incumbent)
- Audrey Young
Fifth Ward
- Joel Arnold
- Wantwaz Davis
- Jeron Dotson
- Dewaun E. Robinson
Eighth Ward
- Ezekiel Harris
- Brandan Jamison
- Casey Lester
And here is a summary of the qualified candidates in wards without a primary election, as of May 11:
Third Ward
- Leon Al-Alamin
- Paradise Williams
Fourth Ward
- Ramie Yelle
Sixth Ward
- Dakota Star
Seventh Ward
- Darrell Brown
- Candice Mushatt
Ninth Ward
- Michael Harris
