Tonya Burns defeats Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley

Flint City Councilwoman Tonya Burns defeated incumbent Mayor Sheldon Neeley, winning roughly 54% of the vote to Neeley’s 44% and ending his bid for a third term. Although one precinct’s results remained outstanding, election officials said it could not change the outcome; results were still subject to certification. Burns, elected to the council in 2021, plans to begin a 100-day agenda focused on public safety, reducing blight and illegal dumping, youth violence prevention, and greater transparency and accountability at City Hall. Neeley conceded and thanked residents and supporters for the opportunity to serve.