Willie Burton

Willie Burton is a member of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners in Michigan, representing District 5. His current term ends on January 1, 2026.

Burton is running for election to the Detroit City Council to represent District 5 in Michigan. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025. He advanced from the primary on August 5, 2025.

Burton also ran for re-election to the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners to represent District 5 in Michigan. He did not appear on the ballot for the primary on August 5, 2025.

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

Biography

Willie Burton was born in Detroit, Michigan. His career experience includes working as a public servant.^[1]

Burton has been affiliated with the following organizations:^[1]

National Action Network
Southeast Michigan Progressive Democratic Caucus
Obama Grassroots Walkers
Democratic Socialists of America
National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement

Elections

2025

Detroit City Council District 5

General election

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

General election for Detroit City Council District 5

Willie Burton and Renata Miller are running in the general election for Detroit City Council District 5 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
		Willie Burton (Nonpartisan)
		Renata Miller (Nonpartisan)

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Detroit City Council District 5

The following candidates ran in the primary for Detroit City Council District 5 on August 5, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Renata Miller (Nonpartisan)	22.7	3,053
✔		Willie Burton (Nonpartisan)	19.0	2,558
		Esther Haugabook (Nonpartisan)	17.6	2,364
		Tatjana Jackson (Nonpartisan)	15.4	2,075
		George Adams Jr. (Nonpartisan)	13.6	1,829
		Michael Hartt (Nonpartisan)	5.0	671
		Michael Ri'chard (Nonpartisan)	4.6	624
	Submit photo	Kevin Jones (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)	1.0	130
	Submit photo	Whitney Clarke (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)	0.1	9
		DeQuincy Hyatt (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)	0.0	3
	Submit photo	Jerome Shell (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)	0.0	1
	Submit photo	Alexander Cheatom (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)	0.0	0
		Other/Write-in votes	0.9	115

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 13,432
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Bonzetta Ferrell (Nonpartisan)
Theodore Jones (Nonpartisan)
Bonnie Warmack Jr. (Nonpartisan)
Chantel Watkins (Nonpartisan)

Endorsements

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Detroit Board of Police Commissioners District 5

General election

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

General election for Detroit Board of Police Commissioners District 5

Chandra Darrisaw, Teron Haynes, and E'yandra Otis are running in the general election for Detroit Board of Police Commissioners District 5 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
		Chandra Darrisaw (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)
		Teron Haynes (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)
		E'yandra Otis (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Nonpartisan primary election

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Chandra Darrisaw (Nonpartisan)
Willie Burton (Nonpartisan)

Endorsements

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

2021

General election

General election for Detroit Board of Police Commissioners District 5

Incumbent Willie Burton won election in the general election for Detroit Board of Police Commissioners District 5 on November 2, 2021.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Willie Burton (Nonpartisan)	98.4	11,816
	Other/Write-in votes	1.6	187

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 12,003
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

The primary election was canceled. Incumbent Willie Burton advanced from the primary for Detroit Board of Police Commissioners District 5.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Michael Farr (Nonpartisan)

2018

General election

General election for Michigan House of Representatives District 6

Tyrone Carter defeated Linda Sawyer in the general election for Michigan House of Representatives District 6 on November 6, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Tyrone Carter (D)	91.1	21,005
	Linda Sawyer (R)	8.9	2,056

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 23,061
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 6

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 6 on August 7, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Tyrone Carter	21.1	2,398
	Submit photo	Charlesetta Wilson	18.8	2,132
	Submit photo	Terra DeFoe	13.2	1,492
		Aghogho Edevbie	11.0	1,247
		Willie Burton	8.6	976
	Submit photo	Ricardo White	6.9	780
		David Sanchez	6.1	696
	Submit photo	Paula Humphries	4.9	552
	Submit photo	Samantha Magdaleno	4.8	541
	Submit photo	Tom Choske	4.7	532

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 11,346
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 6

Linda Sawyer advanced from the Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 6 on August 7, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Linda Sawyer	100.0	456

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 456
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2017

See also: Municipal elections in Detroit, Michigan (2017)

The city of Detroit, Michigan, held elections for mayor, city council, city clerk, and the Detroit Board of Police Commisisoners on November 7, 2017. A primary election was held on August 8, 2017. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was April 25, 2017.^[2] Incumbent Willie Burton defeated George Adams Jr. in the general election for District 5 on the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners.^[3]

Detroit Board of Police Commissioners, District 5 General Election, 2017
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Willie Burton Incumbent	59.22%	7,682
George Adams Jr.	39.43%	5,115
Write-in votes	1.35%	175
Total Votes		12,972
Source: Wayne County, Michigan, "2017 November 7th General & Special General Election Official Results," November 7, 2017

2010

See also: Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2010

Burton was a Democratic candidate for District 4 in the Michigan House of Representatives in the November 2, 2010, state legislative elections. Burton was defeated in the Democratic primary on August 3, 2010, by Maureen Stapleton.^[4]

Campaign themes

2025

Detroit Board of Police Commissioners District 5

Ballotpedia survey responses

Willie Burton did not complete Ballotpedia's 2025 Candidate Connection survey.

Detroit City Council District 5

Ballotpedia survey responses

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

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Willie E. Burton, a three-term Detroit Police Commissioner, civil rights advocate, and lifelong Detroiter. I’ve dedicated my life to public service: fighting for transparency, civil liberties, and a government that works for working families. From leading the fight for police accountability to standing with labor, I’ve never been afraid to challenge powerful interests when Detroiters’ futures are on the line. I believe true public safety starts with strong communities, living-wage jobs, affordable housing, and accessible mental health care. As your next City Councilmember for District 5, I’ll bring that same courage and commitment to City Hall—standing up for everyday people, pushing for fair development, and making sure every Detroiter’s voice is heard and respected.

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?

People over politics: Detroiters deserve leaders who don’t just talk the talk at election time but stand shoulder-to-shoulder with working families every single day. I’ve never been afraid to challenge powerful interests to protect our community’s well-being, civil liberties, and economic future. On Council, I’ll fight for responsible budgets, transparency, and fair development that uplifts our neighborhoods, not just downtown. I believe every Detroiter should see their voice reflected in City Hall and their needs prioritized over political favors.
Public safety and economic opportunity go hand in hand: We can’t keep throwing people in jail and expect poverty to disappear. Public safety starts long before someone commits a crime—by providing living-wage jobs, affordable housing, strong schools, and accessible mental health care. As Police Commissioner, I championed accountability and civil rights because real safety means trust between residents and law enforcement. On Council, I’ll keep fighting to grow jobs, invest in community programs that prevent crime before it starts, and protect our youth’s futures.
Real Accountability for a Stronger Detroit For too long, billionaires have gotten sweetheart deals while neighborhoods suffer. I’ll push for a transparent budget process, fair taxes, and strict oversight of every development contract. When public money is spent, it should benefit the public—meaning local jobs, affordable housing, and community benefits that last. I will always stand up for ordinary Detroiters and ensure City Hall works for everyone. We can build a Detroit where families feel safe, respected, and part of every decision.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about protecting civil liberties, strengthening police oversight, and fighting for public safety that respects everyone’s rights. I believe housing is a human right and will push for truly affordable homes. I care deeply about making city government transparent, so people know where every dollar goes. Good jobs, fair wages, mental health support, and removing red tape for small businesses are critical too. I want Detroiters to have a real say in development, safety, and our economic future.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

City Council is the voice and watchdog for everyday people. It balances the budget, oversees city departments, and passes laws that directly impact our daily lives — housing, safety, jobs, and services. Unlike higher offices, Councilmembers are on the ground with residents, hearing concerns firsthand. This office must bridge communities and government, hold power accountable, and stand up when other branches fall short. It’s democracy closest to the people — that’s its unique power.

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

Frederick Douglass. He spoke truth to power and fought for dignity and justice, even when it wasn’t easy.

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

I’d recommend Dr. King’s “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” because it lays out exactly how we must tackle poverty, inequality, and injustice with real solutions, not empty promises. It reminds us that fighting for civil rights means fighting for economic rights too. I also look to The Autobiography of Malcolm X for its lessons in courage, self-respect, and the power of standing up to the status quo. Both inspire my commitment to bold, people-centered leadership.

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

Integrity must be non-negotiable — the people need to trust that you stand for them, not for special interests. An elected official should have courage to speak out and take tough stands when others stay silent. Accountability, transparency, and honesty in every decision are vital. Accessibility matters too — leaders should always be reachable and listen deeply to community voices. I believe in fairness, standing up for civil rights, and putting people over politics every time, no matter the cost.

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

I’m courageous, community-focused, and never afraid to challenge the status quo. I listen, I act, and I stand up for people.

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

The core duty is to serve the people — not developers or insiders — by protecting taxpayer dollars and making sure city services work for everyone. It means fighting for clean neighborhoods, safe streets, and good jobs while ensuring transparency in every decision. Listening to residents, bringing their voices to City Hall, and holding departments accountable are critical. A councilmember should balance the budget fairly, stand up for civil rights, and help build a city that works for all.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I fought for ordinary Detroiters, expanded civil rights, and made government more accountable — a Detroit that works for everyone.

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

I remember the election of Coleman Young as Detroit’s first Black mayor — I was a kid but felt the pride in my community.

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

Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN): A community-based activist group that focused on social justice.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
& Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by Frederick Douglass.

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

The Black Panther

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

Fight the Power!

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

Standing up alone at times against powerful interests. It’s isolating but I’ve never backed down when people’s rights are at stake.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Most people don’t realize City Council shapes how tax dollars are spent through the budget — every dollar for police, fire, housing, roads, and more. Council also has the power to approve major land deals, development incentives, and contracts that can make or break neighborhoods. Council can hold hearings, call out corruption, and push for reforms when departments fall short. It’s not just a rubber stamp — when done right, it’s the people’s check on city government.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes — experience helps you hit the ground running and understand how the system really works. I’ve seen how to navigate budgets, oversight, and policy to get results for residents. But experience must come with integrity and fresh ideas — it’s not about being a career politician but about knowing how to fight for people effectively. New voices and lived experience matter too. The best leaders combine real-world experience, courage, and the skills to make government work for everyone.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

A councilmember needs strong listening skills and the courage to act on what people say. Budget and policy knowledge are vital — you must know how to read numbers, question deals, and protect taxpayer money. Negotiation and coalition-building matter, too, because nothing gets done alone. It helps to understand public safety, housing, and economic development. Most of all, integrity and transparency keep you grounded. If you have these skills, you can truly serve the community.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

City Council is unique because it’s the closest link between residents and City Hall. It holds the purse strings through the budget and has oversight over city departments to ensure they work for the people. Council can pass local laws that shape housing, safety, and jobs. Unlike other levels of government, Councilmembers walk neighborhoods, hear concerns directly, and can hold public hearings to demand accountability. It’s the people’s branch of local government — powerful when used right.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Why did the scarecrow become a politician? He was outstanding in his field!

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Detroit Native Sun Newspaper, Obama Grassroots Walkers, Former Sheriff and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Detroit novelist Omari Bayi, Former DPS Board President Juvette Hawkins-Williams, Retired DPS Superintendent Dr. John Telford, Political director of the Michigan National Action Network (NAN) Sam Riddle, Detroit NAN organizer Lory Parks, Detroit Public School Teacher Katarina Brown, Detroit UIN DETIPTV CEO Tim Moore, The Renaissance Observer, D. Eta Wilcoxin, founding District 4 Community Advisory Council member Scotty Boman, former Police Commissioner Bill Davis, Detroit After Party and many more.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Detroiters deserve to know where every public dollar goes and how it serves them. I believe in open budgeting, stronger contract oversight, and fair tax assessments so residents aren’t left holding the bag while wealthy developers get breaks. We must stop backroom deals and demand community benefits that last. True accountability means regular reporting to the people, honest leadership, and making sure city departments deliver on promises. Public money should always work for the public — not special interests.

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.

2021

Willie Burton did not complete Ballotpedia's 2021 Candidate Connection survey.

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Candidate

Detroit City Council District 5

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Footnotes

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 14, 2025
↑ Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announces re-election bid," February 4, 2017
↑ Wayne County Clerk, "2017 General Election Candidate Listing," accessed November 3, 2017
↑ Michigan Secretary of State, 2010 Primary Election Results – State Representative, accessed July 19, 2012

[bio-1] 1.0 ^1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 14, 2025

[2] Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announces re-election bid," February 4, 2017

[3] Wayne County Clerk, "2017 General Election Candidate Listing," accessed November 3, 2017

[4] Michigan Secretary of State, 2010 Primary Election Results – State Representative, accessed July 19, 2012

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Willie Burton

Biography

Elections

2025

Detroit City Council District 5

General election

General election for Detroit City Council District 5

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Detroit City Council District 5

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Detroit Board of Police Commissioners District 5

General election

General election for Detroit Board of Police Commissioners District 5

Nonpartisan primary election

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

2021

General election

General election for Detroit Board of Police Commissioners District 5

Nonpartisan primary election

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

2018

General election

General election for Michigan House of Representatives District 6

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 6

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 6

2017

2010

Campaign themes

2025

Detroit Board of Police Commissioners District 5

Ballotpedia survey responses

Detroit City Council District 5

Ballotpedia survey responses

2021

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

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