Flint mayor to face multiple challengers in 2026 primary election

FLINT, Mich. — Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley now faces three challengers in the primary election, according to Genesee County’s unofficial ballot list.

Neeley will face Micaiah “Mic” Owens, Councilwoman Tonya Burns and Roshanda Womack in the Aug. 4, 2026, primary election.

Owens, an attorney and former carpenter, aims to “build back Flint” as mayor by focusing on jobs, safety, beautification and teamwork, according to his “Mic for Flint Mayor” Facebook page. 

Councilwoman Tonya Burns announced in a Facebook post Tuesday, April 21, that she had filed her nominating petitions. Burns represents the city’s 6th Ward and has criticized Neeley’s administration. She was elected to the City Council in 2021.

Neeley also faces a challenge from Roshanda Womack, a former counselor and pastor who says her campaign focuses on transparency, integrity and unity. A Flint native, Womack is a “professional storyteller” who promotes literacy through spoken-word performances and presentations both nationally and locally, she said.

The deadline to file nominating petitions was 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Late filings were not accepted, county officials said in a press release. Candidates were required to submit petitions signed by at least 600 registered voters in Flint.

Neeley was elected as Flint’s 95th mayor in November 2019, winning re-election in 2022. He has cited his administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, expansion of blight removal efforts and reforms aimed at promoting equity and public trust as key accomplishments, according to the city website.

The terms of office for the mayor and city council members elected in the 2026 election will run from November 2026 through November 2030.