Bio

Charles Pugh serves as the President of the Detroit City Council -- the legislative branch of city government. This honorable body is responsible for, not only, approving the city’s budget and contracts, but also, passing ordinances and resolutions. With his historic election, Pugh was charged with helping to revive the City of Detroit.

Born and raised on the city's west side, Pugh faced tragedy at an early age. At the age of three, Pugh lost his mother in a homicide and, just four years later, his father, who had recently gotten re-married, committed suicide. Nevertheless, Pugh, raised by his grandmother, was able to overcome these sad and unfortunate events to achieve great success throughout his life.

After graduating from Murray Wright High School, Pugh went on to earn his degree in journalism from the prestigious University of Missouri. As a teenager, Pugh had a dream of returning to Detroit as an anchor-reporter. He accomplished this goal in 1999 – just ten years after high school graduation.

After serving as a respected journalist in Columbia, Missouri; Topeka, Kansas; Fort Wayne, Indiana and Norfolk, Virginia, Pugh became a highly celebrated reporter at Fox 2 Detroit. In his self-proclaimed “dream job,” Pugh was able to convey his unwavering love for this city, becoming an “adopted” family member to many Detroiters.

Pugh, able to translate this overwhelming affection into another impressive opportunity, became a commentator and news director of WJLB FM 98. In these roles, Pugh made it a point to encourage and empower Detroiters to work towards a future they desired and deserved.

Although Pugh diligently served his community as an advocate, mentor and journalist, he decided to add another title to his extensive resume'. Pugh, compelled by an urge to better serve the city he loves so much, submitted his name as a candidate for Detroit City Council in 2009. His message of providing citizens with competent, ethical and transparent leadership, resonated with Detroiters, as their votes placed him #1 in the primary and general elections.

As Council President, Pugh is committed to engaging, informing and empowering citizens to reclaim their communities and improve their neighborhoods. Pugh is a faithful member of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church and serves with Hartford Men United, volunteering at Bethune/Fitzgerald Pre-K School and doing outreach at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Center. In addition to sitting on several boards and commissions, including the Democratic Municipal Officials, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, President Pugh is actively involved in mentoring young Detroiters. He is also a recipient of numerous honors, awards, and citations, including Michigan Chronicle's Men of Excellence award.