Community engagement is key in the Detroit mayoral primary election.
Detroit is preparing for its mayoral primary election featuring nine candidates competing for a chance to advance to the general election. The candidates are engaging with the community and addressing pressing issues such as housing, homelessness, and economic development. Polls show Mary Sheffield leading, followed closely by Saunteel Jenkins and Rev. Kinloch. As absentee voting begins, candidates are working to secure support by outlining their visions for the city’s future and addressing the concerns of voters.
Detroit is gearing up for its mayoral primary election on August 5, 2025, featuring nine candidates vying for two spots to advance to the general election in November. Candidates are actively engaging with community members and addressing key issues like housing, homelessness, and economic development as they seek support from voters.
On July 27, an interview will be held with Rev. Solomon Kinloch, Jr. and DaNetta Lynese Simpson to discuss their respective campaigns. Both candidates are among those striving to resonate with Detroit voters as they prepare for the primary election. Current polls indicate that Mary Sheffield leads the race with 34% support, while Saunteel Jenkins and Rev. Kinloch follow closely with 17% and 16%, respectively. Approximately 16% of respondents remain undecided.
The election cycle has seen candidates like Mary Sheffield and Saunteel Jenkins actively engage with community members, including a recent outreach effort to senior citizens on July 22. Through door-to-door campaigning, Jenkins has emphasized her commitment to reach out to every voter, while Sheffield expresses confidence in her campaign position and the outreach efforts undertaken thus far.
John Barlow has focused his campaign on the West Side of Detroit, addressing the needs of both residents and businesses in the area. Meanwhile, Joel Haashiim is working to ensure his campaign message directly reaches Detroit residents. Concerns regarding housing and homelessness have been highlighted as critical priorities for voters, many of whom express skepticism over candidates’ promises. Voter feedback calls for concrete actions rather than mere campaign rhetoric.
As the election approaches, voters have begun engaging in absentee voting, which is currently available, and early in-person voting is set to take place from July 26 to August 3. The primary election will determine which two candidates will advance to the general election in November from the nine current contenders.
Each candidate has outlined their vision for the city and the issues they prioritize. Kinloch, leveraging his pastoral background, promotes inclusivity and advocates for equal rights for all residents, including the LGBTQ community, despite the policies of the church he leads. Jenkins has unveiled a public safety plan aimed at improving the homicide closure rate through the establishment of a cold case unit in partnership with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.
Additionally, candidates Fred Durhal III, endorsed by the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Political Action Committee, along with Jenkins, have proposed support mechanisms for small businesses and solutions to challenges faced by Detroit’s marijuana industry. Sheffield and Jenkins have also expressed concerns about the proliferation of marijuana businesses in neighborhoods, aiming to address the impacts on community welfare.
Discussions among candidates have also touched upon the need for improved access to funding for historically Black-owned businesses and greater accountability within community benefits agreements. Sheffield has proposed creating a dedicated business fund to assist long-standing Detroit businesses while urging for affordable housing initiatives that prevent issues like property tax overassessment.
As the primary election date approaches, candidates continue to engage meaningfully with various community groups and forums, shaping their campaigns based on voter input and community needs. Their efforts reflect a commitment to building a city that supports economic growth, public safety, and equal rights for all residents, laying the groundwork for the upcoming primary election.
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