Unpaid Utility Bills Surface Amid Campaign for Housing Affordability
Mallory McMorrow, a Democratic candidate for the Senate, has accrued nearly a year’s worth of unpaid utility bills on her million-dollar home while advocating for housing affordability.
Records indicate that, until recently, McMorrow and her husband, Ray Wert, had neglected to pay their water and sewer bills since June 2025 for their residence in Royal Oak, Michigan.
The couple’s outstanding bills amounted to $3,000.37, which were settled shortly after inquiries were made. A spokesperson confirmed that, “The invoice in question has been paid.”
McMorrow had also stated that they would fulfill their obligations but highlighted that rising costs—attributed to figures like Donald Trump and Mike Rogers—are affecting Americans’ expenses across the board.
As a state lawmaker, McMorrow is vying for the Democratic nomination in a high-profile Senate race, but she has a history of delayed payments. Records reveal that since purchasing their $1.28 million home in late 2021, the couple has incurred over $400 in fines for late payments.
A 2021 report described their home as “remarkable,” featuring a pool and courtyard.
In late 2024, overdue water bills had begun to accumulate again, with payments halted for five months. When they finally made a payment of $917 in January 2025, they still owed $45 in late fees.
Royal Oak Township issues quarterly water bills, imposing a 5% late fee on unpaid balances. If the bills remain unpaid by June 1, additional penalties may apply. Persistent delinquency could also lead to water shutoffs or have unpaid bills added to property taxes.
Interestingly, while McMorrow faced these financial delays, there have been recent speculations regarding her potential wealth. Last year, she estimated her net worth to be between $588,041 and $1.87 million, with assets possibly exceeding $1.15 million, as per her financial disclosures.
McMorrow reported earning $101,554 from her senator’s salary along with over $106,000 in royalties.
Despite her financial issues, she has advocated an “affordability” bill aimed at preventing water shutoffs for non-payment. This legislation proposed caps on water bills for low-income residents and allowed for overdue balances to be waived, funded by surcharges on most Michigan water customers.
Additionally, McMorrow supports the Human Rights to Water Act, which seeks to establish affordable drinking water as a right and mandates the development of affordability standards by state governments.
In a Facebook post from March 2021, she emphasized that “Access to water is a human right, even in non-pandemic times.”
The delayed payments arise amidst her campaign in a competitive Democratic primary to succeed retiring U.S. Senator Gary Peters from Michigan. The race is crucial for Democrats, aiming to reclaim the Senate, while Republicans see it as a significant opportunity.
Former Representative Mike Rogers withdrew from the race last year, supported by Trump, as Democratic contenders continue to contest the upcoming primary.
McMorrow promotes a progressive platform, advocating for the wealthy to contribute their “fair share” of taxes. The race is further complicated by competing candidates, including Senator Abdul El-Sayed, who aligns with Bernie Sanders, and Rep. Haley Stevens, who represents more centrist views.
Support for McMorrow’s campaign comes from notable progressive figures like Senators Elizabeth Warren and Chris Murphy.
Amid all this, McMorrow has faced criticism for deleting numerous past social media posts that criticized “middle America” and likened Trump supporters to Nazis. In an interview, she defended her actions, asserting that she had merely been “tweeting normal things like a normal person.”
