Michael Fournier (Mayor of Royal Oak, Michigan, candidate 2025)

Michael Fournier

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Nonpartisan

Candidate, Mayor of Royal Oak

Elections and appointments

Next election

November 4, 2025

Education

High school

Davison High School

Bachelor's

Michigan State University, 2001

Graduate

University of Notre Dame, 2005

Personal

Birthplace

Flint, Mich.

Religion

Catholic

Profession

Business development

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Michael Fournier is running for election to the Mayor of Royal Oak in Michigan. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.

Fournier completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Michael Fournier provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 6, 2025:

• Birth place: Flint, Michigan
• High school: Davison High School
• Bachelor's: Michigan State University, 2001
• Graduate: University of Notre Dame, 2005
• Gender: Male
• Religion: Catholic
• Profession: Business Development
• Prior offices held:
  • Mayor of Royal Oak (2016-Prsnt)
  • City Commissioner (2011-2016)
• Incumbent officeholder: Yes
• Campaign slogan: Moving forward together
• Campaign website
• Campaign endorsements

Elections

General election

The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.

General election for Mayor of Royal Oak

Michael Fournier and Trish Oliver are running in the general election for Mayor of Royal Oak on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Michael Fournier (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Trish Oliver (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

To view Fournier's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. To send us an endorsement, click here.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Michael Fournier completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Fournier's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am proud to have served as your mayor for the past nine years. I am humbled at the trust you placed in me over the past six elections. I’m a husband and father of three young Royal Oakers. I have a BA from Michigan State University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. I have made a career solving complex business problems in the areas of finance, operations, and business development. I love Royal Oak!

I believe the high quality of life we enjoy in Royal Oak is a direct result of so many people working together. Over the years we’ve proved that leading with our shared values gets us results. -we are one of the safest cities in America -we are protecting our environment, green spaces, trees and water -we are investing in our parks, senior services and critical infrastructure -by every conceivable measure Royal Oak is thriving

I believe our elected officials should have a position vision and lead with values. I’m proud of our track record and eager to serve another term as your mayor so we can finish the work we started together.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I have the experience, support and proven track record to do this important job.
• By every conceivable measure Royal Oak is a thriving community. However, we have more work to do.
• Our campaign has a broad collation of supporters including our police officers, firefighters and the community leaders we trust.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Keeping Royal Oak one of the safest cities in America will always be a top priority. Fostering an inclusive and welcoming community that people from all backgrounds and income levels can call home. Focusing on aging in place initiatives so our older adults can thrive. Investing in our parks system, tree canopy, and vibrant walkable neighborhoods. Keeping focus on our sustainability efforts and green spaces. Protecting and investing in our vibrant walkable neighborhoods. Maintaining a solid financial footing with our AA bond rating healthy rainy day fund. Maintaining our reputation as one of the best places for families in Michigan (awards).

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My dad. He taught his boys to work hard, pay your share and give some time. As a boy, I saw how he led his team as a first sergeant. He was well respected by so many because he had empathy, kindness and a commitment to doing the difficult thing while holding himself and everyone else accountable. He’s an all around selfless person that I draw inspiration from. I love him dearly.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Every human being has the same value and worth.

We have a responsibility to our most vulnerable people in our society.
Telling the truth - even when it’s difficult to do so.
Listening to ALL voices, not just the most boisterous.
Make decisions based on fact, science, and evidence.
Empathy and respect for those who have a different point of view.
Respect for the rule of law, our elections, and how we speak with each other.

Staying positive while working on solving problems

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Uphold the law and respect the independence of our institutions.

Broker in truth, facts, and evidence.
Listen to ALL voices and take to heart criticism.
Promote a culture that allows us to keep and hire the best public servants.
Protect our strong financial footing without compromising public safety or our quality of life.
Assemble vast community input and assemble a positive vision to keep us moving in the right direction.
Solicit investment in our community that helps us achieve our common goal and strategic plan.
Be a positive and unifying voice for our city.

Deal with emergencies with a cool, calm, and collected head.

What legacy would you like to leave?

In a world of increasing divisiveness, fear mongering and misplaced rage, we had a mayor that stuck to the principles of truth, empathy, and inclusion that proved we can accomplish great things by working together.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The most significant thing I remember was the Challenger tragedy. I was seven years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I started out mowing lawns and shoveling driveways. My first W2 job was dishwashing at 14 years old. I eventually made my way up to cook and I am grateful for everything my fist job taught me. I met so many amazing hardworking people that often don’t get the respect or income they deserve.

What is your favorite book? Why?

All Creatures Great and Small - James Herriot. I’m not sure why as I have read countless books since. I think at the time I read it I was young (HS) and trying to find my way. The ideas of uncertainty and struggle are part of life must have resonated.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I will need to think on this…..

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Ending a great conversation!

A mayor is a leader in his or her city. What does that mean to you?

I’m here to serve EVERYONE, find common ground, and fight for everything that’s important to our community. The mayor must listen to everyone’s input and apply truth, facts, and science to make the best possible decisions. And no matter what, be the biggest cheerleader and sales person for our future. The mayor must never pander to people to avoid criticism and should instead always be transparent with the facts, complexities, and other points of view. The mayor should work to lift the quiet voices not just the loudest. And most importantly, the mayor must have love and empathy for ALL our citizens- even for those who have a different point of view.

If the mayor in your city is a member of the city council and there's a city manager appointed to handle the day-to-day administration of the city government, what do you believe should be the mayor's top priority in office?

Keeping Royal Oak one of the safest places to call home.

If the mayor in your city is not a member of the city council and oversees the day-to-day administration of the city government, what do you believe is the ideal relationship between the mayor and city council?

I’m proud of the relationship I have with commission members and staff. While we often disagree, we are committed to listening to each other and respecting each other’s perspectives. We don’t tolerate or fuel personal attacks, fear mongering or conspiracy theories. Despite what is happening in DC, our local government is functional and productive.

What do you love most about your city?

The countless amazing people who step up to serve others. The success of our community begins and ends with these volunteers. A big thank you to all those who serve on boards, committees, coaches, community non-profits, chambers, clubs, faith institutions, and more! Everything is a team effort!!!

What do you perceive to be your city's greatest challenges over the next decade?

The housing crisis and shifting economy.

Uncertainty and chaos at the federal level which could compromise programs our residents depend on.

Making sure we implement our aging in place plan to best serve our aging population.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between your city and the state government?

I am proud to work closely with all of our state, county and federal representatives. The mayor should have the trust of other public servants in order to get things done. Relationships and trust matters. My conversations with state representatives had always been brutally honest and mutually respectful. This has resulted in tens of millions of dollars coming to Royal Oak.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between your city and the federal government?

I am proud to work closely with all of our state, county and federal representatives. The mayor should have the trust of other public servants in order to get things done. Relationships and trust matters. My conversations with state representatives had always been brutally honest and mutually respectful. This has resulted in tens of millions of dollars coming to Royal Oak.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the mayor's office and law enforcement?

A respectful and accountable driven relationship has propelled Royal Oak to being one of the safest cities in America. Our PD and commission work hard to find the best approach to public safety that aligns with our values. I am proud to have the endorsement of the Royal Oak Police Officers Association.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Royal Oak Police Officers Association

Royal Oak Professional Firefighters Local 431
Sierra Club
Sen. Mallory McMorrow
Sen. Stephanie Chang
Rep. Natalie Price
County Executive Dave Coulter
Haley Stevens, US Congresswoman
County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg
Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash
Mayor Pro Tem Monica Hunt
City Commissioner Melanie Macey
City Commissioner Amanda Herzog
City Commissioner Brandon Kolo
City Commissioner Shar Douglas
City Commissioner Rebecca Cheezum
Former Mayors Jim Ellison and Dennis Cowan
School Board members Lauren Jasinski and Tim Circhorski
UAW Region 1
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters
Operating Engineers Local 324
Sheet Metal Workers Local 80
Greater Royal Oak Area Democratic Club

​and more…

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

Sometimes it’s hard to take stock of the progress we’ve made. We are always working on the next thing. A young woman with late stage cancer sent me an email expressing her new perspective on life and how she had a new appreciation for the community she lives in. She explained the places she visits and things she does and how this city is a warm place as she heals. Perspective is everything. I took more personally from this email than I did as mayor.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Fighting to keep our city one of the safest in America.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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