Candidates participating in the Detroit mayoral debate at Wayne State University.
In Detroit, candidates for the mayoral race will hold a debate on June 16, 2025, hosted by Local 4. With the Primary Election approaching, current Mayor Mike Duggan is not seeking reelection, as he runs for governor. Four candidates have been confirmed to participate: James Craig, Saunteel Jenkins, Solomon Kinloch Jr., and Mary Sheffield. This debate, co-sponsored by AARP, will address key issues like public safety and economic opportunities, with candidates expected to outline their platforms and address pressing concerns for voters.
Detroit – Candidates vying for the position of mayor in Detroit are set to engage in a crucial debate on June 16, 2025, hosted by Local 4. This event comes as the city prepares for the upcoming Primary Election scheduled for August 5, 2025, and the General Election on November 4, 2025. Current Mayor Mike Duggan has announced he will not seek reelection, opting instead to run for governor as an Independent candidate.
Four out of the nine candidates in the mayoral race have been confirmed to participate in the debate. The candidates include James Craig, Saunteel Jenkins, Solomon Kinloch Jr., and Mary Sheffield, with Jason Colthorp from Local 4 moderating the proceedings. The debate is co-sponsored by AARP and will take place at Wayne State University in conjunction with the Michigan Chronicle.
The participating candidates bring diverse backgrounds and priorities to the race. James Craig, the former Detroit Police Chief, emphasizes his commitment to small businesses, integrity, and community investment. Saunteel Jenkins, previously the Detroit City Council President, steps into the race with a focus on leadership readiness through her platform, “Saunteel’s Six.” Solomon Kinloch Jr., a senior pastor of Triumph Church for nearly three decades, aims to address affordable housing, public safety, and food deserts. Lastly, Mary Sheffield, the current City Council President, prioritizes compassionate leadership, with an emphasis on education, public safety, and transportation.
The selection of the four candidates to participate in the debate was based on polling conducted in partnership with the Detroit News and AARP. Candidates required at least 10% support in the polls to qualify, while others fell below this threshold, attaining 5% or less support.
During the upcoming debate, candidates will have one minute to respond to questions, with the opportunity for 30-second rebuttals if challenged. Polling indicates that key debate topics will focus on the most pressing issues for Detroiters, which include public safety, economic opportunity, neighborhood development, and fiscal responsibility.
A prior debate held at the Mackinac Policy Conference allowed candidates to share their perspectives on business incentives and crime reduction strategies. Candidates discussed their professional backgrounds and experiences to illustrate their readiness for mayoral responsibilities. Important discussions included Sheffield and Durhal’s stance on the necessity of property tax reform, while Jenkins highlighted renewing the city’s expiring tax abatement programs. Moreover, Craig and Kinloch expressed their intentions to broaden the middle class and tackle poverty issues affecting the community.
Future city funding strategies were a significant point of discussion, with candidates considering the implications of potential new taxes and program restructuring to maintain budget sustainability. The outcomes and public perceptions formed during this debate are seen as pivotal for each candidate’s trajectory heading into the primary election.
The Detroit mayoral race is intensifying, with this debate expected to clarify candidates’ positions and influence voter decisions in the upcoming elections.
UAW Endorses Rev. Solomon Kinloch for Detroit Mayor
Mary Sheffield Leads Detroit Mayoral Race Ahead of Primary
Poll Shows Waters and Young II Leading Detroit City Council Race
Detroit Mayor Proposes $4.5 Billion Education Investment
Detroit Mayoral Election Highlights Equity Concerns
Discover Hidden Gems Along Detroit’s Eastern Riverfront
Candidates Debate for Detroit Mayor Position at Mackinac Conference
Mackinac Policy Conference to Address Michigan’s Economic Future
Political Polarization Influences Economic Perceptions in Michigan
Detroit Unions Back Mayoral Candidates in Primary
News Summary Metro Detroit is now accepting nominations for the annual Vote 4 The Best…
News Summary Escalating military actions between Israel and Iran have instilled fear among Jewish and…
News Summary Detroit's own Carolyn Striho will be taking the stage at Mio’s Nor-East’r Music…
News Summary Detroit native Satori Shakoor's impactful one-woman show, 'Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale,'…
News Summary The family of Stephen Mason is urging an independent investigation into his fatal…
News Summary Halo Top invites ice cream lovers to a free sampling weekend at the…