Eric Mays Net Worth in 2025: How Much Was the Flint Councilman Worth?
Eric Mays was a well-known American politician and public servant. He dedicated much of his life to the people of Flint, Michigan. Though he passed away in 2024, his legacy and financial history continue to spark interest. In this article, we’ll explore Eric Mays net worth, his early life, education, family, career journey, controversies, and more.
Who Was Eric Mays?
Eric Mays was a Flint City Council member who served Michigan’s 1st Ward from 2013 until his death in February 2024. Known for his fiery personality, bold speeches, and unfiltered comments, Mays became a household name during the Flint water crisis. He often clashed with other officials but always stayed vocal about fighting for Flint’s underprivileged residents.
His controversial behavior in city meetings and his refusal to back down made him a symbol of both resistance and chaos, depending on who you asked. Despite his legal troubles and public arguments, he continued to be re-elected, a sign of his deep connection with local voters.
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Early Life
Eric Mays was born on September 16, 1958, in Flint, Michigan. He grew up in a middle-class African-American family in the heart of the industrial Midwest. His upbringing shaped his drive to help working-class people, and he often credited his parents for teaching him resilience and faith.
His passion for justice began early. As a young man, he attended local council meetings and worked with the NAACP to address issues in his community. These early experiences helped him build a strong base in activism and community service.
Education Background
Mays graduated from Flint Northern High School in the 1970s. He later earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. Although some sources claim he also received a business degree from the University of Southern California (USC), no official records confirm this.
He once expressed interest in attending law school. However, a 1987 felony assault conviction ended that dream. This setback didn’t stop him from pursuing other paths in leadership and public speaking.
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Family and Personal Life
Eric Mays was born to Pastor Louis H. Mays and Mother Rosie B. Mays in Flint, Michigan. His upbringing in a middle-class, faith-driven home deeply shaped his values and leadership style. He often credited his family for giving him strength to face political and personal challenges.
Though rumors mention a marriage to Megan Ritchie, no verified records confirm it. However, it is confirmed that he had a son named Eric HaKeem Deontaye Mays. Beyond this, Mays kept most of his family life private, rarely sharing details with the public.
Here’s a table summarizing key details about his family:
| Relation | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Pastor Louis H. Mays | Well-known in the Flint faith community |
| Mother | Mother Rosie B. Mays | Supportive presence in his early life |
| Son | Eric HaKeem Deontaye Mays | Confirmed by multiple reports |
| Spouse | Megan Ritchie (unverified) | No official confirmation or records |
How Old Was Eric Mays?
Eric Mays was 65 years old when he passed away on February 24, 2024, reportedly from natural causes. His death marked the end of a politically charged life. Many residents mourned his passing, recalling the energy and chaos he brought to Flint’s political stage.
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Eric Mays Career Journey
Before entering politics, Mays worked at General Motors and served as a union organizer. His strong voice and willingness to challenge authority helped him build credibility with laborers. These qualities later carried over to his political career.
He ran for the Flint City Council multiple times before finally winning a seat in 2013. He won that election by just eight votes, defeating Anita Brown. Mays made headlines for frequently clashing with fellow council members. He was even removed from meetings multiple times due to disruptive behavior.
Despite this, he made lasting contributions. Mays was among the first officials to raise alarms during the Flint water crisis, demanding government accountability. He used his council platform to ask tough questions and push for answers, gaining respect among many residents.
Legal Controversies and Public Image
Eric Mays faced several legal issues throughout his life. In 2013, shortly after taking office, he was arrested for driving under the influence. In 2016, he served 28 days in jail for impaired driving and resisting arrest. In 2019, he was convicted of disorderly conduct.
One strange event occurred in 2017 when he reportedly pawned a city-owned laptop to cover legal costs. Despite the scandal, he continued serving on the council. In 2020, he drew national attention after using a Nazi salute during a heated council meeting. He was eventually stripped of his vice-presidential council title.
Even with these controversies, Mays remained popular. He repeatedly won re-election, showing that many Flint residents still believed in his ability to fight for their needs.
Eric Mays Net Worth in 2025
Now let’s address the key question: What was Eric Mays net worth in 2025?
This topic is surrounded by conflicting estimates. Some websites claim that Mays had a net worth of $100 million, suggesting he made fortunes from real estate, media, and tech investments. However, these figures are not supported by verified data or credible financial documents.
More conservative and realistic estimates place Eric Mays net worth between $150,000 and $550,000. These numbers match his role as a local public servant, where salaries are modest.
Average Council Salary Breakdown
| Position | Estimated Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Flint City Council Member | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| Total over 12 years | $300,000 – $420,000 |
He may have had small savings, home equity, or minor investments. But there is no credible proof of large real estate holdings, tech stocks, or media assets.
The most credible estimate suggests Eric Mays net worth was under $1 million, likely between $150,000 and $500,000 before his passing.
Eric Mays Net Worth: Sources of His Income
Eric Mays earned most of his income from his work on the Flint City Council. His annual pay ranged from $25,000 to $35,000, depending on city budgets.
There is no verified information proving he had other major income sources. While some blogs suggest he had real estate or tech investments, no property records or financial statements support those claims.
He also faced financial difficulties. In past interviews and reports, he admitted to borrowing money and even pawning city property to cover legal expenses. He sometimes used crowdfunding platforms to raise legal defense funds.
This indicates that Eric Mays net worth was likely modest and not reflective of high business success, as some rumors suggest.
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Philanthropy and Community Work
Despite his struggles, Mays was active in community service. He helped launch programs that addressed poverty, education, and infrastructure in Flint. He often donated his time and occasionally his money to support local causes.
He also advocated for transparency in city operations. His watchdog approach led to better oversight of government spending and improved awareness during the Flint water crisis.
Public Legacy After Death
Eric Mays left behind a complicated yet memorable legacy. His fierce loyalty to Flint residents, refusal to back down, and outspokenness made him a hero to some and a villain to others.
He is remembered for making politics more visible to everyday people. His unusual style made him a viral sensation online. Clips of his speeches were widely shared, turning him into a sort of internet celebrity.
Yet at his core, Eric Mays remained committed to improving life for Flint’s poor and working-class families, even when his own life was under stress.
Conclusion
To summarize, Eric Mays net worth has been widely exaggerated online. The most believable estimate ranges from $150,000 to $550,000, based on his city council income and modest lifestyle.
While rumors of million-dollar investments exist, no trusted source supports them. Mays was a local leader, not a national mogul.
He may not have died a wealthy man, but he left behind something more valuable—a powerful legacy of community service, grit, and a voice for the unheard in Flint.
