News Summary
Detroit saw a disappointing voter turnout of only 16.6% during the August 5 primary election, where residents elected a new mayor and filled two vacant city council seats. City Council President Mary Sheffield topped the ballot, securing over 50% of the primary votes. Concerns over engagement remain high, with community leaders calling for improved efforts to inform citizens about the importance of participating in elections. As Sheffield and Rev. Solomon Kinloch move towards the general election, they plan to focus on key issues affecting Detroit residents.
Detroit recorded a low voter turnout of only 16.6% during the August 5 primary election, a notable concern as residents were tasked with electing a new mayor and filling two vacant city council seats. This disappointing turnout comes as Mayor Mike Duggan, who has held the position for 12 years, chose not to seek re-election and is pursuing a governor’s seat instead.
City Council President Mary Sheffield secured her spot in the upcoming general election by garnering over 50% of the primary votes, a clear indication of her strong support among voters. Following her was Rev. Solomon Kinloch, who finished second with just over 17%. The total number of votes cast was nearly 86,000, with absentee and early voting accounting for the majority of ballots.
Sheffield’s victory is marked by a committed ground campaign that brought her supporters together, emphasizing a shared dedication to improving Detroit’s neighborhoods. Kinloch, reflecting on his achievement, highlighted the significance of grassroots efforts and expressed intentions to build further momentum leading into the November election.
The primary election included a total of nine candidates, with former City Councilwoman Saunteel Jenkins placing third, receiving 16% of the vote. The election results exhibited a significant gap between the top three candidates and others, with Sheffield attaining nearly three times the votes of Kinloch. Former police chief James Craig, running as a Republican, finished in fifth place.
Concerns Over Voter Engagement
Key Issues Ahead
As Sheffield and Kinloch prepare for the general election, both have confirmed their participation in upcoming debates and community discussions. The candidates plan to address critical topics such as economic development, public safety, affordable housing, and neighborhood investment, which resonate deeply with Detroit’s residents. Their focus on these critical issues aims to connect with voters and stimulate further engagement.
Addressing Challenges
Kinloch’s campaign has faced challenges, including scrutiny over a domestic violence conviction from 30 years ago, which he has acknowledged as a mistake from his past. Despite this, his grassroots campaign has gained traction among supporters. Sheffield’s campaign has been recognized for its substantial ground engagement, highlighting her proactive efforts to connect with the community. Meanwhile, incumbents in several other city council races performed well, indicating a mix of continuity and change in the local political landscape.
With both candidates leading distinct platforms and emphasizing their commitment to addressing residents’ concerns, the city of Detroit is set for a vibrant and critical general election featuring both Sheffield and Kinloch. The path ahead rests on how effectively they can inspire and mobilize voters in a city that is witnessing a crucial leadership transition.
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Additional Resources
- Michigan Advance: Sheffield Leads Among Detroit Mayoral Candidates
- The New York Times: Detroit Primary Election Results
- Detroit Free Press: Detroit Mayoral Primary Election Results
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
- Google Search: Detroit Mayoral Election 2025
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
