News Summary
Mary Sheffield has won the Detroit mayoral primary with 51% of the votes, leading into the general election against Rev. Solomon Kinloch and Saunteel Jenkins. Sheffield’s victory marks a pivotal moment for Detroit, with a focus on affordable housing and community resources. Alongside Kinloch, who received 18% of the votes, and Jenkins with 15%, Sheffield emphasizes building a prosperous future for Detroit residents through robust voter outreach and addressing critical urban issues.
Detroit – City Council President Mary Sheffield has emerged victorious in the Detroit mayoral primary held on August 5, receiving 51% of the votes. This significant lead places her at the forefront of the upcoming general election, where she will compete against Rev. Solomon Kinloch, who secured 18% of the votes, and THAW CEO Saunteel Jenkins, who garnered 15%. As of 12:30 a.m., 328 out of 430 precincts had reported partial results, confirming Sheffield’s dominance in the primary.
The primary election results mean that Sheffield and Kinloch will advance to the general election scheduled for November 4, marking a pivotal moment for Detroit’s political landscape.
Sheffield celebrated her win with supporters, including her grandmother and community leaders. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the voters, noting that her victory was a collective achievement for the community. Looking ahead to the general election, Sheffield emphasized a commitment to robust voter outreach and the importance of building a prosperous future for all Detroit residents. Her campaign focuses on addressing critical issues such as affordable housing, improved transit options, and mitigating disparities between investments in downtown areas and neighborhood needs.
Sheffield’s campaign has been particularly notable for its strong fundraising efforts, which have given her a significant advantage since she began her candidacy two years ago. A pivotal aspect of her platform includes ensuring the growth of Detroit’s population by enhancing community resources and accessible housing.
Kinloch, who placed second in the primary, acknowledged the challenges his campaign faced but expressed resilience and determination to continue fighting for the community. He referred to his past domestic violence conviction from 1993, framing it as a life lesson that has shaped his perspective and growth since that time. Kinloch also emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement, stating that he has positioned himself as a voice for the community.
Jenkins, while finishing third, remains hopeful regarding continuing her campaign efforts. In her remarks following the results, she highlighted the critical need for investment in neighborhoods, reinforcing her vision for a better Detroit.
Early voting data reflected a turnout of between 13% to 18%, with 2,367 early votes cast and 45,885 absentee ballots returned as of August 3. Voter feedback indicated a strong preference for candidates with experience, community service records, and commitments to affordable housing and local investment.
The upcoming general election on November 4 will be significant, as it will be the first time in over a decade that incumbent Mayor Mike Duggan will not be on the ballot, creating an opportunity for new leadership. Sheffield’s victory in the primary positions her as a strong contender to become the first female mayor of Detroit, potentially bringing about a new era of governance in the city.
Both Sheffield and Kinloch have pledged to prioritize equitable investment and focus on safe neighborhoods, quality education, and community engagement as key elements of their campaigns. As the candidates prepare for the general election, the future of Detroit hangs in the balance, reflecting the hopes and needs of its residents.
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Additional Resources
- ClickOnDetroit: Mary Sheffield Advances
- Wikipedia: 2025 Detroit Mayoral Election
- Detroit Free Press: Mayoral Primary Results
- Google Search: Detroit mayoral election 2025
- The New York Times: Detroit Mayoral Election

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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.