The 2017 Flint mayoral recall election in Flint, Michigan was held on November 7, 2017, and resulted in incumbent mayor Karen Weaver being re-elected.[1][2]
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Karen Weaver, the first woman to serve as mayor of Flint, Michigan, took office in 2015 during the Flint water crisis, which remained a central issue in 2017.[2][3][4]
In August 2017 petitioners gathered sufficient signatures for a recall election.[5] The recall election was a single election, rather than a two-stage process in which an initial decision on whether to recall Weaver would be followed by another election for a new mayor if necessary.[6]
The recall election followed a controversy relating to Weaver's support for a waste collection contract with Rizzo Environmental Services, a company involved in a corruption scandal that led to criminal charges against 17 people.[1] The election also occurred amidst disagreement between Weaver and the City Council over the city's water provision.[1]
Weaver argued that the recall was motivated by racism and sexism.[2][3] Her opponents criticized her for failing to work with the City Council and eroding public faith in government.[3]
In August 2017, Weaver filed a complaint that sought to cancel the recall election, alleging illegal behavior by those circulating the recall petition.[7][8] The civil suit was dismissed later that month.[9]
Eighteen candidates contested the election:[10]