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UAW Endorses Rev. Solomon Kinloch for Detroit Mayor

Supporters rally for Rev. Solomon Kinloch at the UAW's Solidarity House.

News Summary

The United Auto Workers (UAW) has endorsed Rev. Solomon Kinloch in the Detroit mayoral primary election. During a rally at UAW’s Solidarity House, President Shawn Fain highlighted Kinloch’s focus on working-class issues, aiming to revitalize neighborhoods and improve economic disparities. Currently, City Council President Mary Sheffield leads the polls, but Kinloch’s UAW backing may significantly impact voter turnout and the election outcome. The primary election is set for August 6, 2024.

Detroit – The United Auto Workers (UAW) has officially endorsed Rev. Solomon Kinloch for the upcoming primary election for mayor of Detroit. The announcement was made during a lively rally at the UAW’s Solidarity House, where UAW President Shawn Fain expressed strong support for Kinloch’s candidacy in front of around 200 members and allies.

Kinloch, a former member of UAW Local 235, is competing in a race that sees City Council President Mary Sheffield currently leading with 38% support among likely primary voters. Kinloch is positioned at 14%, while former Police Chief James Craig and Saunteel Jenkins received 9% and 8% respectively. Among union voters, Sheffield holds 38% support, while Kinloch has gained 18%. Craig and Jenkins trailed with 7% each.

Rev. Kinloch’s campaign focuses on revitalizing Detroit’s neighborhoods, addressing economic disparities, increasing median income levels, and providing more jobs and affordable housing. His platform includes implementing tax credits to support these initiatives.

The UAW’s backing signifies a significant boost in Kinloch’s campaign. Fain highlighted Kinloch’s courage, vision, and moral leadership, asserting that he will advocate for the working class. Fain also noted that the UAW intends to actively mobilize its members through door-knocking, phone calls, and community events to ensure voter turnout in favor of Kinloch.

Political consultant Mario Morrow remarked that Fain’s active campaigning for Kinloch marks an unprecedented approach compared to previous UAW endorsements. This endorsement could be particularly influential in a primary election that historically sees lower voter turnout.

Despite being a strong competitor, Sheffield’s ties to the UAW have prompted numerous endorsements from other labor unions, such as the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which supports her commitment to working families.

The landscape of the election is further complicated by the presence of other candidates like Saunteel Jenkins and James Craig, both who are vying for crucial labor endorsements as the primary approaches. Kinloch’s campaign has also reported the backing from UAW Region 1 and Region 1A, which represents over 300,000 active and retired UAW members.

Kinloch’s campaign emphasized the importance of focusing on working-class concerns in municipal governance and investment decisions. There is a noted divide in voter sentiment; while Kinloch shows stronger support among union voters, his overall appeal appears weaker among non-union voters, garnering only 12%.

As the primary election date draws closer, the UAW’s endorsement of Kinloch stands out as a potential game-changer in the race. Given their grassroots organizing capabilities, the UAW aims to leverage this endorsement to galvanize support not just from union members but also to reach broader community networks in Detroit.

The Democratic primary will take place on August 6, 2024, and with Mayor Mike Duggan concluding his third and final term, the competition is heating up, making it crucial for candidates to secure as much backing as possible ahead of Election Day. This endorsement and its implications are anticipated to have a significant impact on the final outcome as the candidates adjust their strategies to attract both union and non-union voters.