Ward 3 Council Member, City of Ypsilanti · Elected 2022 · Survived recall May 7, 2024 · Mayor Pro-Tem · Running 2026
467–429Recall vote margin (52–48%)
15%Voter turnout in recall election
897Total ballots cast in recall
Role & Background
Desiraé Simmons was elected to Ypsilanti City Council's Ward 3 seat in 2022. She serves as Mayor Pro-Tem. She is a documented member of Liberate Don't Incarcerate (LDI) — the same organization that gave Eli Savit an A rating in 2020 that helped propel him to victory over longtime prosecutor Brian Mackie. She is running for re-election to her council seat in 2026.
The Recall — 2024
In late 2023, Simmons abstained from a vote on a multi-million-dollar city building purchase intended to house a new Department of Public Services facility. The purchase passed 5-0-1 with her abstention — then was later voted down by the full council. Community members led by former Mayor Cheryl Farmer organized a recall campaign, submitting 747 signatures (exceeding the required 603) in February 2024.
The recall petition alleged Simmons was fiscally irresponsible and blamed her for businesses closing downtown, the Growing Hope open-drug market situation, and bringing Palestine issues to Ypsilanti. Simmons called the recall "anti-democratic." She survived the May 7, 2024 special election by 38 votes — 467 to 429 — in a 15% turnout race involving 897 total ballots.
Documented Connections
LDI — Liberate Don't Incarcerate
Simmons is a documented LDI member. LDI gave Eli Savit an A rating in 2020 that contributed to his victory over Brian Mackie for Washtenaw County Prosecutor. Savit is now running for Michigan Attorney General while deciding whether to charge four of Sheriff Dyer's deputies in the Jenuwine shooting — 27 shots fired at an unarmed Navy veteran.
Patrick McLean — Appointment (January 2024)
Simmons appointed Patrick McLean to fill the vacant Ward 2 council seat in January 2024. McLean had never previously been elected to any office. He has an Ohio area code. The August 4, 2026 primary is his first electoral race.
Endorsed by Youth Arts Alliance Founding Director
Heather Martin, Founding Director of Youth Arts Alliance, endorsed Simmons during the recall fight: "Her transparency, communication and commitment toward her goals in city council are aligned with all the reasons I voted for her." YAA received land transferred free by the city at 326 E. Michigan, declared blighted to unlock county grants, and received city-contracted branding support.
Water Street / Encampment Vote — June 16, 2026
Simmons is documented as almost certain to vote against Resolution 240, the encampment removal resolution before council on Tuesday June 16, 2026. She is ideologically aligned with Amber Fellows on this vote. King (YES), McLean (almost certainly YES), Brown (uncertain after visiting encampment with King), Wilcoxen (swing), Fellows (likely NO following Simmons).
2022 LWV Forum — Merger Debt
At the 2022 League of Women Voters forum, Simmons referenced the YCS school district merger debt as "haunting" the budget — demonstrating engagement with the institutional fiscal issues that connect to the YCS Foundation (where Amanda Edmonds, who Brown endorsed, serves as Secretary).
What She Has Said
On the recall: "I was going to be targeted no matter what. I put forward the viewpoint, perspective, and voice of people who aren't typically being heard by the council. I am very clear that I am not going to support policies that I feel are detrimental to people who have been disenfranchised."
On her recall win: "I do think that it makes clear that a lot of people in the ward are satisfied with my representation. That is vindicating."