Bangladeshi-American Muhit Mahmood elected Mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan after legal battle
USA Bureau
Following an extended legal battle over 37 uncounted mail-in ballots, Bangladeshi-American Muhit Mahmood has emerged victorious as the Mayor-elect of Hamtramck, Michigan, defeating his rival Adam Al-Harbi by a narrow 12-vote margin.
The result stems from the closely contested Hamtramck mayoral election originally held on November 4, 2025. Following the initial tally, a protracted legal dispute arose regarding 37 absentee ballots that had remained uncounted in the city clerk's office.
The legal challenge progressed through the state judicial system, leading to a Michigan Court of Appeals directive ordering that the 37 absentee ballots be opened and included in the official count. After the Michigan Supreme Court declined to review the appeal, the order was upheld.
On October 16, 2026, election officials completed the recount incorporating the 37 absentee ballots. The updated official vote count placed Muhit Mahmood ahead with 2,089 votes to Adam Al-Harbi's 2,077 votes, securing Mahmood a 12-vote victory.
The formal certification of the revised results and the scheduling of the swearing-in process remain underway.
The resolution of the race has sparked enthusiasm across the Bangladeshi-American community in Hamtramck and Wayne County, while highlighting the importance of legal oversight in ensuring electoral transparency and guaranteeing that every valid vote is counted.
