News Summary
Mary Sheffield, president of the Detroit City Council, has secured a spot in the upcoming mayoral election after winning 51% of the votes in a recent primary. She will face Solomon Kinloch Jr., a local pastor and first-time candidate, who garnered 17.6% of the primary votes. This election marks a significant change as current Mayor Mike Duggan will not be on the ballot. Sheffield’s focus on community engagement and improvement initiatives positions her as a strong candidate for the city’s future.
Mary Sheffield Set to Face Solomon Kinloch in Detroit Mayor Race
Exciting news from the Motor City! Mary Sheffield, the beloved president of the Detroit City Council, will be moving forward to the November general election for mayor. This comes on the heels of a hotly contested primary held on August 5, 2025, where Sheffield took the lead with a solid 51% of the vote.
Who’s Joining Her on the Ballot?
Sheffield’s opponent in the upcoming general election will be Solomon Kinloch Jr., a first-time candidate and local pastor who earned 17.6% of the votes in the primary. Rounding out the contest, former City Council President Saunteel Jenkins garnered 15% of the votes, while former Detroit Police Chief James Craig and attorney Todd Perkins received 5.4% and 5.3% respectively.
Historic Changes Ahead
This election will be particularly significant, as it’s the first time in over a decade that the name of the current Mayor, Mike Duggan, won’t appear on the ballot. Duggan is eyeing the position of Michigan governor and is running as an independent.
The Power of Engagement
Sheffield’s rise to prominence is rooted deeply in a legacy of civic engagement and civil rights activism, spanning four generations of dedicated activists. At her celebratory victory party, she made it clear that her focus will be on investing in neighborhoods, improving parks, developing youth programs, and enhancing cultural institutions in Detroit. Both Sheffield and Kinloch are on a mission to keep the momentum going by reaching voters in innovative ways through community connections.
Kinloch’s Vision for the City
Kinloch has been vocal about his desire to engage the community directly, emphasizing a strategy of reaching out “block by block”. His campaign views itself as not just a political effort, but a *movement* aimed at bringing about meaningful changes in Detroit. Despite facing some scrutiny over a past domestic violence conviction, Kinloch stresses that he has learned from his mistakes and is committed to serving the community with integrity.
Support Shines Bright
Sheffield’s campaign saw a robust boost in fundraising and polling leading up to the election, highlighting her widespread support. Attendees at her victory celebration expressed confidence in her abilities to drive real change in the city. As the youngest person to be elected to the Detroit City Council at just 26 years old back in 2013, Sheffield’s achievements are a source of pride for her family—especially her grandmother, who hopes to see her granddaughter become Detroit’s first female mayor.
Looking Ahead to November
The stage is now set for an electrifying showdown on November 4, 2025. As the candidates prepare for their final push, it’s clear that the focus will be on issues of economic development, crime rates, and neighborhood improvements. Sheffield’s commitment to boosting Detroit’s population and increasing affordable housing is informed by voter desires for experienced leadership focusing on community engagement and thoughtful fiscal responsibility.
A Low Turnout but High Stakes
It’s worth noting that voter turnout for the primary was on the lower end—projected between 13-18%. Clearly, the stakes are high, and both candidates are ready to tackle the challenges facing Detroit head-on.
What’s Next?
As Detroit heads into what promises to be a thrilling election season, the focus will remain on how both candidates plan to address the pressing needs of their communities. With one determined to connect “block by block” and the other driven by a rich history of activism, voters will have some critical decisions to make come November.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Click On Detroit
- Wikipedia: Detroit
- Detroit Free Press
- Google Search: Detroit mayoral race
- New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Elections
- Fox 2 Detroit
- Google News: Detroit Mayor election results
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mayor
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas 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 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
