In a dramatic turn of events following a protracted legal battle, Sylhet-born politician Muhith Mahmood has surged ahead in the mayoral race for Hamtramck, Michigan. After a court-ordered recount of disputed ballots, Mahmood took a 12-vote lead over incumbent Mayor Adam Alharbi, triggering celebrations among the Bangladeshi diaspora in Michigan.
The election, originally held on November 4, 2025, initially saw Yemeni-American candidate Adam Alharbi ahead by 11 votes, a margin narrowed to six following an initial recount. However, controversy erupted when several uncounted absentee ballots marked in favor of Mahmood were subsequently discovered at the City Clerk's office.
Although Alharbi assumed office in January 2026 after the initial results were certified, Mahmood pursued legal redress. On March 27, the Michigan Court of Appeals mandated the inclusion of the disputed ballots, with the Wayne County Circuit Court setting October 16, 2026, as the deadline for the recount.
Ballot Recount and Updated Vote Tally
Pursuant to the circuit court's order, 37 disputed absentee ballots were officially tallied by the Wayne County Election Commission on Friday (October 16, 2026). The updated results are as follows:
Muhith Mahmood: 2,089 votes
Adam Alharbi (Incumbent): 2,077 votes
Current Margin: 12-vote lead for Mahmood.
Final Certification Awaits Residency Hearing
Despite securing the majority of votes, the former City Councilman cannot be formally declared Mayor-elect just yet. The Circuit Court judge has withheld official certification pending the resolution of a separate legal challenge filed by his opponent regarding Mahmood's residency status in Hamtramck.
The residency challenge is scheduled for a pivotal court hearing on Thursday (October 22, 2026). If the court rules in Mahmood's favor, the election results will be officially certified, paving the way for the Sylhet native to assume the mayoral office in Hamtramck.
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