News Summary
Detroit is set for a competitive mayoral primary on August 5, with nine candidates vying for the position following Mayor Mike Duggan’s decision not to seek re-election. Fred Durhal III has received significant endorsements and financial support, highlighting a focus on job creation and public safety. Other leading candidates include City Council President Mary Sheffield and Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., both gaining traction and endorsements. The primary is critical for shaping the city’s leadership, as absentee ballots are being mailed to voters and early voting is scheduled.
Detroit is gearing up for a pivotal mayoral primary election scheduled for August 5, 2025. With incumbent Mayor Mike Duggan not seeking re-election, the race has drawn nine candidates vying for the position, setting the stage for a competitive and closely watched contest. Various cities and townships throughout metro Detroit will also host elections on the same day, enhancing the importance of municipal engagement across the region.
The Detroit Regional Chamber’s Political Action Committee (PAC) has endorsed Fred Durhal III, highlighting his strong support for pro-growth and economic development initiatives as a competitive advantage in the crowded primary field. The PAC is planning to extend financial assistance to Durhal to bolster his campaign, ensuring he gains visibility among the other candidates. In addition, the Coalition for Detroit’s Growth has allocated $52,300 specifically for television advertisements to promote Durhal’s candidacy.
Durhal’s campaign emphasizes crucial aspects like job creation, strengthening neighborhoods, and enhancing public safety. He aims to address the pressing needs of residents while navigating the challenges of a shifting political landscape. Meanwhile, current City Council President Mary Sheffield is emerging as a leading contender, securing various labor endorsements including those from the Teamsters Joint Council #43 and the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council.
Another notable candidate, Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., has also gained traction with the endorsement of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) 925, further adding complexity to the race as candidates jockey for position.
A recent forum attended by six of the candidates focused on the rapidly growing marijuana industry, a topic of significant importance to many Detroit residents. Candidates including Durhal, Sheffield, and Jenkins voiced their support for the industry while also addressing public concerns regarding its regulation and the potential impact on communities.
Sheffield is actively courting LGBTQ voters, stressing inclusivity as a core theme of her campaign. The candidates have utilized various forums to outline strategies to support small local businesses, as well as to discuss critical matters such as tax policy, public safety concerns, and affordable housing initiatives facing Detroit.
To encourage participation in the upcoming primary, the Detroit Elections Department is mailing 97,000 absentee ballots to voters. Additionally, in-person early voting is scheduled from July 26 to August 3, 2025, allowing residents to cast their ballots before the primary date.
Candidates have also been addressing past issues related to the overtaxation of homeowners, with discussions centered on potential compensation measures to alleviate financial burdens. Each candidate is employing unique strategies to appeal to Detroit voters and distinguish their platforms in this competitive primary race.
Current polls indicate Sheffield as a frontrunner among the candidates, while others are closely contesting for the second position as the primary approaches. The results of this primary will determine which two candidates advance to the general election slated for November 4, 2025, reinforcing the significance of the upcoming August 5 election in shaping the city’s future leadership.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Small Businesses in Michigan: A Mayoral Race Focus
Detroit Schools Face Severe Funding Cuts Amid Federal Review
Detroit Leaders Launch Community-Owned Business Schools
Detroit Sees Growth in New Housing Developments
Metro Detroit Faces Wave of Restaurant Closures
Detroit’s Housing Market Sees Growth in New Developments
Detroit’s Mayoral Race Heats Up Ahead of Primary Election
Detroit Mayor Candidates Discuss Support for Small Businesses
Detroit Mayoral Primary Set to Shape City’s Future
Detroit School Board Seeks New Member After Resignation
Additional Resources
- Bridge Detroit: Detroit Election Tracker 2025
- Detroit Free Press: 2025 Detroit City Council Endorsements
- Click On Detroit: What Michigan Voters Should Know Ahead of the August 2025 Primary
- Detroit News: Our Primary Election Choice for Detroit Mayor
- Detroit Free Press: Detroit Mayoral Candidates 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.
