Vera Cunningham

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Vera Cunningham

Nonpartisan

Education

High school

Denby High School

Personal

Birthplace

Detroit, Mich.

Religion

Baptist

Profession

Business Management

Vera Cunningham ran for election to the Detroit City Council to represent District 4 in Michigan. She was disqualified from the primary scheduled on August 5, 2025.

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

Biography

Vera Cunningham was born in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Denby High School. She attended Detroit College of Business and the University of Phoenix. Her career experience includes working in business management and nonprofit organization. She has been affiliated with East Lake Baptist Church.

Elections

2025

See also: City elections in Detroit, Michigan (2025)

General election

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

General election for Detroit City Council District 4

Incumbent Latisha Johnson is running in the general election for Detroit City Council District 4 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
		Latisha Johnson (Nonpartisan)

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Nonpartisan primary election

The primary election was canceled. Incumbent Latisha Johnson advanced from the primary for Detroit City Council District 4.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Vera Cunningham (Nonpartisan)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Vera Cunningham completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Cunningham'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.

Vera Cunningham is a leader, an organizer, a Business Manager with over 30 yrs. of experience. I am passionate about helping people and problem solving. I am committed to being a collaborator. I was born and raised in Detroit, on the Eastside on Lillibridge Street, where I attended elementary school through graduating high school all in District 4.

For 27yrs. I have been married to Michael g. Cunningham, who has served as Senior Pastor of Historic East Lake Church for over 41yrs. We share 4 amazing children, 3 sons and 1 daughter, and 9 beautiful grandchildren. I come from a family of 11 sibling 4 boys and 7 girls, which 5 siblings are schoolteachers, 1 School Principal, 1 librarian, 4 Management. My parents instilled in us values and integrity. My mother taught at Finney High School in District 4, and my father worked at Chrysler Plant in District 4, and after many years of service left the plant as an entrepreneur and began his own business as a License Electrician.

Vera Cunningham is a giver, a hard worker, no nonsense, results-driven professional with real life experience in community advocacy, business development, with a strong foundation in leadership and public service. A firm believer in the potential of all people, regardless of background or community. I stand for the empowerment of all people.

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 am committed to promptly informing residents of any community changes that may impact their homes, lifestyle, or overall quality of life. Even if information arises that was not initially presented in a timely manner, I will not hesitate to share it with residents and work to address and counteract any decisions that may negatively affect their well-being. I am committed to being a transparent advocate for residents.
• I am fully committed to serving District 4 with integrity and dedication. I understand that we are a team, and every area of District 4 deserves to be seen, heard, and represented. Through my consistent presence and commitment, all concerns will be taken seriously. Every voice will matter, and everyone will be treated fairly and with respect. I will remain present, engaged, and responsive in every area of the district. I'm all in for District 4 because I believe we're stronger together. Every neighborhood, every block your concerns matter to me.
• I am committed to building a safe vibrant neighborhood that supports both large and small restaurants, offers quality shopping options, and promotes inclusive community programs. My vision includes a "We Care" initiative to assist the homeless, support households with a single parent, provide engaging outings for seniors, and foster partnerships with local schools and senior organizations to strengthen community bond. I will also advocate for male mentoring programs and increase mental health awareness and prevention to ensure the wellbeing of residents. Together, we can build a community that truly cares, where every voice matters and every resident is valued.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am dedicated to shaping public policy in District 4 that ensures fairness and gives every resident a voice in the future of the community and Detroit as a whole. I will focus on public policy on neighborhood safety, affordable housing, quality education, business growth, seniors, families, mental health, I am committed to policies that reflect the voices and values of every resident.

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

I admire my mother, who at 93 years old is still traveling and independently managing her affairs. A proud graduate of Alabama A&M and a devoted schoolteacher, she raised 11 children and shared over 50 years of marriage with my late father. She instilled in us the values of faith, education, and family principles that continue to guide my life today.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I would love for people to watch the film Selma it is a powerful and thought-provoking portrayal of political philosophy in action, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and the fundamental right to vote. Voting is the foundation of democracy.

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

Elected Official must care about all people, we must have integrity, we must be honest, trustworthy, compassionate. As an elected official we must put the community first over personal gain.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I bring over 30 years of proven management experience, with a strong background in leadership, contract negotiation, and program development. My work spans respected organizations including Southeast Head Start, Matrix Head Start, charter schools, and daycare centers. I've served as program manager at a federal halfway house, where I implemented meaningful change to support successful reentry into society. more importantly, I have a lifelong commitment to public service. I've worked directly with the community, helping individuals secure food, clothing, housing, meeting people where they are delivering real results. In many ways, I've already been doing the work of a city council member. The only thing left is to officially hold the title.

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

When elected to office we must never forget out responsibilities is to the people who believed in our ability to serve as their City Council Leader, we must stay up to date on relevant issues and opportunities that affect the residents, their homes, and environment. It is our responsibility to understand laws, policies, and how government work. Elected official must learn how to collaborate, we must work well with fellow officials, community leaders, and resident.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I strive to leave a legacy as a compassionate giver, a dedicated helper, and a true advocate for all people regardless of race, background, or status. I want to be remembered as someone who made a meaningful difference in the lives of others, who served selflessly, and who stood for the people not for personal gain, but for the greater good of the community.

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

My first job was a Youth Summer Camp Counselor at St. Bernard Church on the corner of Lillibridge and Mack in District 4, were I once attended as a camper, I began that job at the age of 14 and worked two summers until the age of 16.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Jackson, a great book that deals with personal and spiritual change.

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

If I were a fictional character, I would be Queen Ramonda from Black Panther, the mother of T'Challa and Shuri, Queen of Wakanda, because she leads with grace, wisdom, and love for her family and the people she serves.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Hero by Miara Carey

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

one personal struggle I continue to work through is a fear of cats. while it may seem small to some, it's a challenge for me. I learning to manage this fear and stay calm. Every step I take is part of my growth.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Why did the socks break up? They weren't a good match.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Alberta Tinsley

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency is critical to the success for any and all accountability and creditability on any job, project, etc., checks and balances and regular financial reporting is a must. Audits and oversight are paramount. Financial transparency helps prevent corruption, ensures equity in funding, and fosters community trust.

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.

See also

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