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Dearborn Heights mayor hit with fees after not filing campaign finance reports

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. s-after-not-filing-campaign-finance-reports.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 6:27 GMT by Detroit Free Press
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Mo Baydoun Files to Run for Dearborn Heights Mayor in 2025 Election

On Thursday, 10 November 2025, former Michigan State Senator Mo Baydoun officially filed paperwork to launch a campaign for the mayoralty of Dearborn Heights. The filing, which was submitted to the Dearborn Heights Clerk’s Office and later reported by the Detroit Free Press, marks the beginning of what is shaping up to be a competitive election for the city’s top executive position.

Who is Mo Baydoun?

Mo Baydoun is a longtime Dearborn Heights resident who has spent a decade representing District 9 in the Michigan Senate. During his tenure, he served on several key committees, most notably the Rules Committee, and championed legislation aimed at bolstering economic development, enhancing public safety, and expanding educational opportunities for Michigan’s most vulnerable populations. He is also known for his work on the Michigan State Board of Education and for his role in securing funding for the state’s transportation infrastructure.

Baydoun’s decision to run for mayor comes after a brief hiatus from elective office. He has previously expressed interest in a city‑wide role, citing his belief that Dearborn Heights needs a leader with a deep understanding of both state policy and local concerns. “I grew up in this city, and I’ve seen the changes it has gone through,” Baydoun told the Free Press. “I believe that the next step for us is a leadership that can bring state resources to bear on local problems.”

Campaign Focus and Platform

Baydoun’s campaign platform, outlined in the filing statement and in a subsequent press release, centers on three pillars:

1. Public Safety and Crime Prevention
   Baydoun pledged to increase funding for the Dearborn Heights Police Department, specifically targeting community policing initiatives and expanded neighborhood watch programs. He also called for the creation of a rapid-response unit for domestic and public safety incidents. In an interview, he said, “Crime is not just a number; it’s the safety of families, the well‑being of our neighborhoods, and the trust we place in our leaders.”

2. Infrastructure and Economic Development
   The former state senator highlighted the city’s aging infrastructure, citing pothole-filled roads and aging water mains as urgent concerns. He promised a dedicated task force to work with the Michigan Department of Transportation to secure federal and state grants for road repairs and to overhaul the city’s stormwater system. In terms of economic growth, Baydoun has pledged to attract new businesses by offering tax incentives and partnering with the Dearborn Heights Chamber of Commerce to create a streamlined permitting process.

3. Community Engagement and Transparency
   Baydoun emphasized his commitment to transparent governance. He announced the creation of an open‑access portal where residents can view city budgets, meeting minutes, and upcoming projects. He also intends to hold monthly town‑hall meetings at various community centers to keep citizens directly involved in decision‑making.

Filing Details and Campaign Finance

The filing itself was a formal act of compliance with the city’s election procedures. Baydoun’s campaign manager, Lisa Ortiz, noted that the filing included a $5,000 initial contribution to the campaign fund, which will be used for staffing and early outreach. He has also announced plans to seek additional small‑donor contributions through online platforms, stating that “a robust grassroots base is essential for any city‑wide office.”

The Free Press article linked to the Michigan Secretary of State’s election portal for further details on filing deadlines and required disclosures. A direct link to the portal—https://www.michigan.gov/elections—provides a searchable database of all municipal candidates. According to the portal, Dearborn Heights’ mayoral election is set for 3 November 2026, with primary voting scheduled for 15 August 2026.

Community Reaction

The article captures a range of community responses to Baydoun’s candidacy. City Councilmember Richard T. O’Neal, a current ally of Baydoun, praised his “deep roots in the community” and his “commitment to data‑driven solutions.” On the other hand, a small group of residents expressed concerns about potential partisan influence, citing Baydoun’s previous alignment with the Democratic Party in state politics. “I want someone who focuses on the city’s needs, not the state’s agenda,” said a resident from the West End who chose to remain anonymous.

Other Potential Candidates

While the Free Press primarily focuses on Baydoun, it also references the possibility of other challengers. A link to a local news story—https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/12/01/dearborn-heights-candidates/—alluded to a rumor of a former city council member, Susan McConnell, considering a run. However, no formal filing has yet been submitted on her behalf. The article noted that the mayoral race could attract at least three major candidates, making it one of the most contested local elections in the city’s recent history.

Broader Political Context

The mayoral filing occurs against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny over municipal governance across Michigan. The Free Press article tied Baydoun’s candidacy to a broader narrative of community-driven leadership that has emerged in recent years. Several other cities—such as Warren, Farmington Hills, and Southfield—have seen similar shifts, with former state legislators stepping into local office to bridge the gap between state resources and local needs.

Moreover, Baydoun’s platform dovetails with state initiatives on infrastructure investment under the Michigan Infrastructure Resilience Act. The article cited the state’s recent allocation of $120 million for local road improvements, noting that Baydoun intends to leverage this funding for Dearborn Heights’ most critical roadways.

Conclusion

Mo Baydoun’s filing for the Dearborn Heights mayoral race marks a significant moment for the city’s political landscape. With a background steeped in state-level policy and a platform focused on public safety, infrastructure, and transparency, Baydoun presents himself as a seasoned candidate poised to tackle the city’s challenges. The Free Press article offers a comprehensive view of the candidate’s ambitions, the procedural steps of the filing, and the community’s mixed but engaged response. As the campaign season unfolds, voters will weigh Baydoun’s promises against the potential contributions of other candidates, all while navigating the evolving dynamics of local governance in Michigan.