What was Eric Mays’ Net Worth when he died?

Eric Bradford Mays was born on September 16, 1958, in Flint, Michigan. He was one of nine children born to Rosie B. Mays and her husband, Pastor Louis H. Mays. His father was a longtime pastor at Flint’s Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, and Mays grew up in a devout Christian household. He accepted Christ at an early age and participated in church ministries with his family throughout his childhood.

Mays graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1976 and later attended Michigan State University, where he continued playing football. Throughout his school years, he was known as a talented athlete with a particular passion for football.

General Motors Factory Work in Flint

Eric Mays spent decades working at General Motors assembly operations on Flint’s north side. At the GM Truck & Bus plant, he worked as an hourly employee and labor advocate, rising through the factory workforce and becoming active in union representation. By the time he retired from GM, Mays had taken on important union duties supporting fellow auto workers. His GM career connected him closely to Flint’s industrial community and preceded his later public service.

Union Organizing and Labor Advocacy

Throughout his GM career, Mays was deeply involved in the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. He held leadership roles in his local union chapters, including positions as a district committeeperson and Recording Secretary in Flint’s UAW locals.

He represented workers on the shop floor, negotiated with management, and organized labor activities. His union work made him a well-known labor advocate who frequently spoke out for workers’ rights and economic fairness. His background as a union organizer remained a cornerstone of his identity after he entered elected office.

Election to Flint City Council’s First Ward

Mays first won public office in 2013. In November of that year, he was elected to the Flint City Council, representing the city’s First Ward on the north side. He took the seat formerly held by Claudia Croom and began his tenure as a Ward 1 councilor.

Mays secured strong support in his community and went on to win two more four-year terms, remaining in office continuously through 2024. By the end of his life, he was the longest-serving member of the nine-seat council, a status noted by local media.

First Ward Leadership During the Flint Water Crisis

Mays was among the earliest elected officials to raise concerns about Flint’s water crisis. Within months of the emergency, he publicly questioned the city’s water quality and demanded accountability from city officials.

In 2015, he organized a high-profile community town hall that gave hundreds of residents an opportunity to voice their concerns. Large numbers of First Ward and Flint residents attended and raised health complaints linked to the water, including skin rashes and other illnesses, directly with city leaders.

Mays continued calling for investigations and relief even when other officials were reluctant, becoming closely associated with early activism for Flint families affected by the contamination.

Council Presidency and Municipal Leadership

Mays held several leadership positions on the City Council. In 2018, he was appointed chairman of the council’s Finance Committee, overseeing budgeting and expenditure reviews. Three years later, following the 2021 election, his fellow council members elected him City Council President by a 5-4 vote.

He pledged to guide the new council majority toward constructive work and urged members to collaborate and focus on residents’ needs, emphasizing unity in “help[ing] each other help the citizens of the city of Flint.” His presidency strengthened his reputation as a strong North Flint voice. He was also recognized for his knowledge of municipal procedures and for mentoring newer members.

Final Years on the Flint City Council

During his final term, Mays remained an outspoken councilor and maintained a busy community schedule. He easily won re-election in 2021 while running unopposed and launched a campaign for mayor of Flint in 2022, though he did not prevail. On the council, he continued advocating vigorously for First Ward residents and spoke on issues involving budgets, infrastructure, and policing.

Throughout his ten years on the council, he was described as “a passionate advocate for his ward.” His council career ended in early 2024 when he died suddenly in February at age 65.

His death left the seat vacant, and a special election in November 2024 elected Leon El-Alamin to complete Mays’s term. Mays is remembered for his lengthy public service, his union-based advocacy for workers and residents, and his role as a prominent leader in Flint city government.

Eric Mays Net Worth

As of 2026, Eric Mays’ net worth has not been officially confirmed or publicly disclosed. His income sources included wages from his employment at General Motors, where he also held positions in local United Auto Workers chapters, and the official salary he received for his elected service on the Flint City Council. Specific earnings from these roles have not been publicly disclosed.

FAQs

What political party did Eric Mays belong to?

Flint City Council elections are nonpartisan, so Eric Mays served without a party label on the municipal ballot.

How long did Eric Mays serve on the Flint City Council?

Eric Mays served on the Flint City Council from 2013 until his death in February 2024.

Which area of Flint did Eric Mays represent?

Eric Mays represented Flint’s First Ward on the city’s north side.

Did Eric Mays ever run for mayor of Flint?

Yes. Eric Mays ran for mayor of Flint in 2022 but did not win.

What was Eric Mays known for in Flint politics?

Eric Mays was known as an outspoken First Ward representative who took part in debates over major city issues, including the Flint water crisis.

Who succeeded Eric Mays in Flint’s First Ward?

Leon El-Alamin won the November 2024 special election to complete the remainder of Eric Mays’ term.