Shalanda Hunt is running for Mayor

(Jackson, MI) – Shalanda Hunt, current 5^th Ward city Councilmember and former Jackson Public School Board President, announced she is running for Mayor of Jackson.

“I am announcing my candidacy for Mayor because I have a clear vision to make Jackson a vibrant, engaging community that draws people in to live and work,” Hunt said.

Currently, Hunt is the city councilmember for the 5^th Ward and was elected to the seat in November 2025 after previously serving in the position from 2023 to 2024.

“I am fortunate to serve the residents of the 5^th Ward and look to represent all Jackson residents as mayor,” Hunt said. “I will be available, transparent and willing to engage with any city resident.”

Since being sworn in, Hunt created a volunteer led initiative, Caring Hearts, Clearing Paths (CHCP) focused on the needs of the elderly and disabled residents. 

Hunt’s main campaign goal is to tackle the hard problems that are facing Jackson including funding for road repairs, economic development and other priorities including reducing homelessness, gang violence and drug addiction.

Shalanda Hunt for Mayor campaign is about creating new investment and modern opportunities for today’s economic development and changing the calculus. 

“As your Mayor, the Council will be directed to reconsider outdated ordinances, policies, and regulatory burdens we prohibit commercial 

“The problems in Jackson are not new and unique to Jackson, but as a City I believe that we can have the hard conversations and make decisions that will make Jackson a better place to live,” Hunt said. “I will work with our elected officials in Lansing to secure funding to help Jackson thrive again.” 

Hunt is lifelong resident of the City of Jackson. She graduated from Jackson High School in 1997 and earned two associate degrees from Jackson College and bachelor’s degree from Siena Heights University in Adrian. Hunt has two daughters, Amari, a recent graduate of Michigan State University, and Anaya, a 2026 graduate of Jackson High School. In 2023, the Jackson City Council appointed Hunt to fill the vacant 5^th Ward Council seat. Prior to serving on the City Council, Hunt was elected to the Jackson Public School Board of Education in 2020 and served as the President. 

Hunt is currently employed as a child welfare trainer for the Office of Workforce Development and Training (MDHHS) and has over 20 years in public service including working with at risk youth at the Jackson County Youth Center.

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