News Summary
As Detroit faces a pivotal moment with Mike Duggan’s departure to run for governor, nine candidates vie for the mayoral position. The primary on August 5 will determine who can lead Detroit’s ongoing revitalization, with Saunteel Jenkins and Mary Sheffield emerging as frontrunners. Each contender offers distinct visions to tackle community issues such as crime and education while striving to enhance the city’s development. The outcome will significantly shape Detroit’s future as it continues recovering from past challenges.
Detroit is preparing for a significant political shift as nine candidates compete for the mayoral position left vacant by Mike Duggan, who has announced plans to run for governor after three successful terms. This leads to a crucial juncture for a city that has made substantial progress since emerging from bankruptcy eleven years ago. The upcoming mayoral race is especially important, with residents looking for a leader who can continue the revitalization efforts in Detroit’s neighborhoods.
The current mayor, Duggan, has focused on innovative approaches and investment, fostering development in various sectors. Candidates are campaigning to fill his shoes, with particular emphasis on community issues such as crime and underperforming schools. The primary election is set for August 5, and voter turnout is anticipated to be low, complicating the race for candidates.
Among the contenders, Saunteel Jenkins, aged 54, has garnered attention, receiving a strong endorsement from the editorial board as a leading candidate for mayor. Jenkins previously served as the City Council president, representing the city during its transition from bankruptcy. Her extensive experience includes working with city stakeholders and business leaders, establishing a solid foundation for her candidacy.
In addition to her political background, Jenkins was the CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), which focuses on ensuring utility access for residents in Detroit. A personal connection to gun violence has fueled Jenkins’ commitment to public safety—she lost her 14-year-old brother to violence in 1991. She proposes to reduce gun violence by expanding successful community intervention programs and creating master plans for each of the city’s seven districts to promote comprehensive neighborhood redevelopment.
Jenkins also aims to alleviate the economic pressures facing residents by lowering property taxes and developing neighborhood centers to support students, in collaboration with the school superintendent. However, she faces criticism over her proposal to offset lost property tax revenue with a special sales tax, as many believe that the city’s retail environment is already fragile.
Another strong contender is Mary Sheffield, the current City Council President, who has been endorsed by a local publication due to her dynamic leadership style. Sheffield, who has consistently supported Duggan’s policies, has forged strong ties within the business community, making her a formidable candidate as well.
Other candidates include Fred Durhal III, who brings legislative experience and an understanding of business needs, and Solomon Kinloch, who is working to establish new grocery stores and affordable housing through a large church network. Todd Perkins offers a non-political perspective, although he lacks operational knowledge critical for effective governance. Additionally, James Craig, a former Police Chief, has political connections but offers limited specific policy proposals for his campaign.
The outcome of the primary election will determine which two candidates advance to the general election scheduled for November 5. With Jenkins and Sheffield emerging as frontrunners due to their leadership qualities and visions for Detroit’s future, the race is shaping up to be a closely contested battle. The elected mayor will inherit significant responsibilities, tasked with addressing the ongoing challenges that Detroit faces while continuing the necessary work to restore neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for all residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Detroit Prepares for Historic Mayoral Election
UAW Members Support Mayoral Candidate Despite Leadership’s Opposition
Detroit Mayoral Candidates Focus on Retaining Young Residents
Detroit Candidates Present Diverse Solutions for Housing Challenges in District 5
Detroit Candidates for City Council District 5 Present Varied Housing Strategies
Tragic Deaths of Two Children in Detroit Highlight Homelessness Crisis
Candidates Debate Key Issues in Detroit Mayoral Election
Detroit Mayoral Candidates Prepare for Upcoming Debate
UAW Endorses Rev. Solomon Kinloch for Detroit Mayor
Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: Editorial on Mayoral Candidates
- Detroit News: Our Primary Election Choice for Detroit Mayor
- Bridge Detroit: Interviews with Mayoral Candidates
- Deadline Detroit: Endorsement of Saunteel Jenkins for Mayor
- Wikipedia: Detroit
- Google Scholar: Detroit Mayoral Election 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Detroit
- 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.
