Meet Willie E. Burton

Candidate for State Representative – District 9
Three-Time Detroit Police Commissioner, District 5

A Voice for Justice. A Record of Results. A Vision for the People.

Willie E. Burton is a lifelong Detroiter and public servant who made history as the youngest Police Commissioner in the United States. Elected by the people of Detroit’s Fifth District, Willie has spent years fighting for accountability, safety, and opportunity in every neighborhood—and now he’s running to represent District 9 in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Proven Leadership on the Police Commission

• Approved the rollout of body-worn cameras citywide, ensuring both police and residents are protected by an unbiased record of events.
• Backed Project Green Light, expanding real-time crime prevention at over 310 local businesses.
• Fought for fair pay: Increased officer starting salaries from $31,000 to $37,000, with a 4% raise and tuition reimbursement for officers.
• Launched the Fight Crime, Grow Jobs Initiative, supporting 700+ small businesses and connecting youth to apprenticeships and internships.
• Championed gun safety by distributing 1,000 free gun locks in all 12 precincts.
• Created the Mental Health Task Force with Wayne State University to address Detroit’s mental health crisis.

Detroit Deserves Better. Let’s Build It Together.

From police reform to job creation, from affordable housing to public safety, Willie E. Burton is ready to bring bold, accountable leadership to the Michigan House of Representatives … the kind that fights for all Detroiters.

Public money for public good. People over profit.
Vote Willie E. Burton for State Representative – District 9.

Endorsed by the 13^th Congressional District Democratic Party

Individual Endorsements for Candidate Willie Burton

Former State Representatives

• Wendell Byrd, Former State Representative
• Lamar Lemmons, Former State Representative

Former Wayne County Executive

• Robert Ficano, Former Wayne Sheriff & County Executive

Medical Professionals, Educators & Scholars

• Dr. Ida Short, Former Detroit Board of Education member
• Dr. Margaret Betts, MD and Former Detroit Board of Education member
• Elana Herada, Detroit Board of Education member
• John Telford, Detroit Public School Superintendent Emeritus

Public & Community Service Commissions

• Russ Bellant, Former Library Commissioner
• Scotty Boman, Police Commissioner & Community Advisory Council District 4 of Detroit
• Juvette Hawkins-Williams, Member, District 4 Community Advisory Council
• Barbara Wynder, Commissioner, City of Detroit Charter Revision Commission

The New District 9

The State of Michigan has now established new official District maps.

Here is the map they posted for District 9

Endorsements in the 2025 City Council Election

• Dr. Cornel West
• The Detroit Free Press
• The Detroit News
• The Detroit Police Officers Association
• Detroit Police Lieutenants & Sergeants Association
• Teamsters (Joint Council 43 & Local 299)
• Former Speaker Joe Tate
• Travis Reece (Detroit Lions)
• “Freeway Ricky” Ross
• The Renaissance Observer
• Communities Voice Slate
• 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
• Metropolitan Detroit NAN Vice President Lory Parks
• Detroit UIN DETIPTV CEO Tim Moore
• D. Eta Wilcoxin
• Founding District 4 Community Advisory Council member Scotty Boman
• Former Police Commissioner Bill Davis
• Detroit After Party