Here's who is running for Detroit mayor in the 2025 election
Mayor Mike Duggan will leave the role after 12 years to run for Michigan governor as an independent candidate, leaving Detroit's top seat open in a crowded field of candidates without an incumbent. Others can still file to run as a write-in candidate by July 25 for the Aug. 5 primary.
Here are the nine candidates vying for votes in the primary election.
The Detroit City Council president got a head start on the field by forming her candidate committee in August 2023, giving her an early lead on fundraising. Sheffield, who attended Southfield-Lathrup High School, has been a council member since 2013, when she was elected the youngest member, and later selected as council president in her current term.
She has a mixed record of supporting large developments, including voting in favor of a $60 million tax abatement for Bedrock's Hudson's site development, and voting against providing more than $800 million in tax credits to Olympia Development's District Detroit project.
Sheffield has promised to focus on several key areas if elected, including property tax reform; investing in walkable neighborhoods and safe communities, which includes the police department and Community Violence Intervention programs; as well as addressing affordable housing and economic development.
Jenkins formerly served as Detroit City Council president and resigned early to pursue the chief executive role with The Heat and Warmth Fund nonprofit that helps those facing utility shutoffs. The Cass Technical High School alum said she aims to tackle the role by rooting herself in the community and leaning on her executive experience.
As she often says: the mayor is "CEO of the city." Her "Saunteel Six" mayoral policies include: creating a master plan for each district to address their needs; investing in after-school and community center programs in art, sports and technology; prioritizing safe neighborhoods by cracking down on violence, bullying and adding community policing; creating career programs and pathways for young Detroiters; and supporting greater access to child care, affordable housing for renters and owners, and providing seniors with support.
The Detroit City Councilman and former state representative has long-supported many of Duggan's initiatives for new developments in Detroit, as well as fighting the "Us vs. Them" politics, a narrative in which people claim the city's focus is on downtown versus the neighborhoods.
He went to Detroit Public Schools, including the Detroit School of Arts. Durhal says his priorities include: investing in commercial corridors and walkable communities; expanding the Downtown Development Authority's boundaries, potentially on main corridors such as Gratiot, Woodward and Michigan Avenues; enhancing public safety; partnerships with the Detroit Public Schools Community District to provide programming and infrastructure for the youth; pushing the Detroit Promise program, which provides a tuition-free pathway for Detroit college and university students; and re-engage discussions about boosting regional transit.
The Triumph Church pastor and Northwestern High School alum said he expects to run his church simultaneously with his role as mayor, if elected, saying he will serve as a full-time mayor and leave much of the daily responsibilities of the church to his executive team.
Kinloch said his priorities include: building 10,000 affordable housing units through down payment assistance programs; reducing poverty and crime, including building more grocery stores to eliminate food deserts; expanding Detroit's revival into the neighborhoods, which he's called a "tale of two cities," claiming the benefits amid the city's resurgence have not reached everyone; maintaining basic services such as trash pick-up and emergency response times; and investing in workforce training.
Nicknamed "Hollywood Craig" for his television appearances on the department's relationship with the community, James Craig held multiple stints as deputy mayor, and police chief in Portland, Maine, Cincinnati and Los Angeles before running the Detroit Police Department from 2014 to 2021. He graduated from Cass Technical High School and ran for governor in 2022 as a Republican, though he was knocked off the ballot after failing to get enough valid signatures.
He also began a U.S. Senate run in 2024, but he suspended his campaign to eye a run for Detroit mayor. Craig flexes his relationship with the White House and President Donald Trump as an asset to help draw federal money to the city. Naturally, boosting public safety is among Craig's top stated priorities, but others include: investing in schools and neighborhoods, boosting economic opportunities and building out small businesses.
Although multiple candidates promise to invest in neighborhoods, Detroit attorney Todd Perkins has declared himself the "neighborhood mayor" at his campaign launch. Perkins graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and spent his career pursuing civil and criminal litigation, along with helping lead the 2021 ballot initiative to create a Detroit Reparations Task Force.
As mayor, Perkins said he expects to improve public safety, mass transit, create more housing, and grow employment in an effort to boost economic activity and spur population growth. He also said he plans to salvage structures instead of demolishing them, and provide jobs to Detroiters to renovate homes, along with conducting a forensic audit of city hall operations to ensure more transparency and accountability.
The former businessman said he has a long list of priorities he aims to tackle if elected mayor. Haashiim, who went to Cooley High School and once ran a party store, said he aims to bring in high-paying jobs, reduce crime and establish a program for citizens returning from incarceration.
He also said he expects to drive up Detroit's population, which Duggan's administration battled in recent years with the U.S. Census Bureau; eradicate homelessness; rethink massive tax abatements for large developers; and address affordable housing.
The Renaissance High School graduate dubs himself an entrepreneur, and served as a basketball coach at Renaissance High School and University Prep Academy High School, as well as a youth pastor at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, according to his campaign website. Barlow said he aims to boost businesses by providing small businesses tax incentives, and establishing a growth business fund to provide them with low-interest loans and grants.
Barlow also said he expects to launch workforce development programs for advanced manufacturing, electric vehicle and technology industries; subsidized transit for workers; expand affordable and mixed-income housing; launch a zero or low-interest loan program for residents and provide financial literacy on homeownership; and prevent homelessness.
The three-time mayoral candidate grew up on the city's east side and ran her campaign on improving Detroit's water infrastructure in an effort to prevent flooding from heavy rainfall and ensuring lower water bills, along with reducing crime and gun violence and developing neighborhoods.
Simpson is from a family of prominent leaders, whose uncle is Elijah Muhammad, the former leader of the Nation of Islam. She said she expects to hold the same priorities she held in the 2021 race, along with having more input in Detroit's school system to help boost reading levels, Simpson has told WXYZ.
Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: dafana@freepress.com. Follow her: @DanaAfana.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit mayoral candidates: Who's running in 2025 election
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20 hours ago
- Yahoo
Samuel L. Jackson opens his wallet in Detroit mayor race, and other campaign revelations
I know what's not in Samuel L. Jackson's wallet: the $5,000 he donated to Mary Sheffield. The Hollywood heavyweight is just one of the prominent contributors to the Detroit City Council president's mayoral campaign. Cookie Johnson, the wife of Lansing legend and Basketball Hall of Fame member Magic Johnson, is another one of Sheffield's celebrity donors. You can learn a lot from campaign finance reports. Sheffield finished first in the Aug. 5 primary that narrowed the field of candidates for mayor of Detroit down to two. She got nearly 51% of the vote after finishing first in fundraising with nearly $1.4 million. The Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. finished second in the primary, but lagged far behind Sheffield in fundraising with just over $400,000. Their reports, along with disclosures from Detroit Next, a pro-Sheffield political action committee, reveal some trends that contradict popular perception. Sheffield, for example, has spent much of her 12 years on council cultivating an image as a progressive who is a champion for The People — and a problem for billionaire developers and others seeking tax breaks to build downtown while ignoring the neighborhoods. Yet her campaign finance report shows she is The Establishment's choice. Among her big benefactors is billionaire downtown developer and Rocket Mortgage Chairman Dan Gilbert, whose political action committee and executives made generous donations. The family and associates of Gary Torgow, a developer and banker who has been a key supporter of Detroit mayors dating back to at least Dennis Archer, are also among the power brokers ponying up for Sheffield. Kinloch, who started with a small congregation worshipping in a second-hand church, built Triumph Church into a multi-campus megachurch with an estimated 40,000 parishioners stretching from Wayne to Genesee County. While pastors can be notoriously, well, parochial when it comes to ecumenical matters like trying to hold onto their flock — especially when dynamic new preachers make the scene — they can also work closely together. If you thought that would give Kinloch an advantage over Sheffield when it comes to winning support of the prominent pastors who play a critical role in reaching Detroit voters, their campaign finance reports tell a different story. Sheffield's contributors include the Rev. Marvin Winans of Perfecting Church, the Rev. Wendell Anthony of Fellowship Chapel, Bishop Charles Ellis III of Greater Grace Temple and Bishop Corletta Vaughn of Holy Ghost Cathedral (though most of the pastors made donations that were far more modest than the tithes their congregants are expected to conjure). My investigation into contributions to the campaign committees of Sheffield and Kinloch, as well as the Detroit Next PAC, show that the influential Arab and Chaldean business communities and corporate PACs clearly favor one candidate, while the other candidate has built their war chest largely by relying on small, individual donors. I'll reveal more in a minute, after acknowledging the invaluable assistance and insights of Free Press intern Aurora Sousanis, who is so smart she left Ann Arbor and the "Harvard of the West" for Cambridge and the "Harvard of the East" ... better known as "Harvard." As a Spartan, I prefer to "Go Green," so let's see what we can glean from the green the candidates hoovered up over the past seven months. Following the money Perhaps the most noteworthy thing we found when analyzing Sheffield's and Kinloch's fundraising operations is just how much more successful the council president has been than the pastor. Elected officials always have an advantage — especially over first-time candidates — because they can rely on a donor base built up over years, they can transfer unused funds from previous campaigns, and they can turn to people who do business with the city (or who aspire to do business with the city) who need their support for their contract, a budget that includes their work or who have an issue they would like the city to address. Two key constituencies in Detroit politics are the Arab and Chaldean business owners who operate many of the city's gas stations and grocery and liquor stores. Sheffield's campaign finance report and Detroit Next's report show overwhelming support from these sources, including a $5,000 donation from the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce, while Kinloch has virtually no contributions from these communities. More: Kinloch believes in miracles. He may need one to beat Sheffield in Detroit mayor race More: False statement gets consultant probation in 'dark money' probe Labor and fat cats also clearly favor Sheffield. While Kinloch won the support of the UAW, Sheffield has collected tens of thousands in donations from influential unions representing electricians, carpenters, Teamsters, hospitality workers and service employees. Although Sheffield sent out a campaign email in June that said she is "not backed by billionaires or corporate PACs," her latest campaign finance report and Detroit Next's report include contributions ranging from $500 to $30,000 from corporate PACs representing law firms, Comcast and Rock Holdings — which is Gilbert's PAC. Sheffield's campaign acknowledged in June that the email was sent in error. When I asked them this past week if Sheffield has an official stance on corporate PACs — say, for example, is she soliciting contributions, or does she just cash the checks when they come in — they failed to respond, despite numerous queries. Kinloch, on the other hand, has very few corporate PAC contributions beyond the $1,000 Comcast sent to each of the candidates. While Sheffield has been in the race longer, giving her a significant head start, the intensity of her fundraising is still startling compared with Kinloch. The most recent campaign finance reports available showed contributions made between Jan. 1 and July 20. Candidates and PACs are also required to disclose late contributions received after July 20 but before the Aug. 5 primary. Sheffield raised more than $160,000 in that two-week period — or more than one-third of the total amount Kinloch raised in the seven months between Jan. 1 and July 20. With 40,000 faithful behind him, Kinloch started with a potential pool of donors that would be the envy of any newbie. Yet his campaign finance report is loaded with small donors — many of whom live outside Detroit — which appears to support the premise that while Kinloch many enjoy a large flock, there may not be enough Detroit voters in his congregation to help him beat Sheffield. One of those congregants who is a Detroit voter is Detroit City Council President Pro Tem James Tate, who sent Kinloch $1,000. Curiously, Tate's contribution lists him as an "executive" with Brand Nu Consulting, which is his wife's company. He said the donation "came from his family," and that his wife's name should have been listed, too. "I haven't endorsed anyone," Tate said. Tate also said he wasn't worried that Sheffield might hold a grudge if she is elected mayor and he is reelected to council. "I work with everyone," he said. "You'd have to ask her if she holds grudges." Upon reflection, Tate said he supported both candidates — even if his money doesn't — and that he just wants "strong leaders in the city." We'll take your money, not your questions Our investigation ran across several questionable entries in Sheffield's campaign report, including recording multiple donations from the same donor without providing an accurate total. This is an important element of any campaign finance report because it helps candidates avoid accepting more than the maximum contribution limit allowed. (No individual may contribute more than $8,325 to a candidate in the mayor's race.) We also found multiple donations by businesses, an apparent violation of Michigan campaign finance law, which forbids corporations from contributing directly to candidates. Then there were the dozens of in-kind contributions — donations of goods or services made in lieu of monetary contributions — which are listed simply as "services donated." Michigan campaign finance law requires candidates to describe the goods or services provided. Sheffield's campaign didn't provide me with details when I asked, but they may not be so lucky with the Wayne County Clerk, who is responsible for demanding answers — and who has the power to get them. I first contacted Sheffield's new spokesperson on the morning of Aug. 14 and asked to speak to someone who could address multiple issues we found. I was asked to provide my all questions in writing, which, as you know, I do not do because I believe candidates and public officials should be able to answer questions in a live and spontaneous exchange, rather than hide behind vague statements that could have been written by anyone (or even ChatGPT). The spokeswoman acknowledged my policy. Nevertheless, several hours later, I again was asked to submit my request in writing. As I did in my morning conversation with the spokeswoman, I provided topic areas and general questions to help the campaign determine who was best to answer the questions I ask on your behalf. Still, I got no answers. So I followed up the next day and, hours later, was told I would get a written response by tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 18. After informing the spokeswoman this strategy was "curious, as we're already well past deadline and the column will be published Sunday," I was told the campaign would provide answers "in detail." Forgetting for a moment that I had been asking to speak with a human being, all I got was an email that said the campaign identified four contributions from businesses totaling $800 that were returned. They blamed the clerk's filing system for failing to reflect the refunds. The campaign also acknowledged that it identified $4,000 in donations, which it described as "about 0.5% of the total receipts during the reporting period," that exceeded the maximum amount someone could contribute. "These amounts have been returned to the donors and will be accurately reflected in our next filing," the email said campaign finance compliance attorney Peter Bailon said, which I guess we'll have to take on faith since they wouldn't let me speak to Counselor Bailon himself. Bailon, or at least whoever typed up his statement, concluded: "We remain committed to full transparency and compliance during this election cycle." My hope is that their commitment to compliance will extend to any and all election cycles in which Sheffield participates. They already failed to meet their pledge of "full transparency," as even their long-awaited response ignored three of the five topic areas I asked about. We all know that — in politics especially — money talks. It's a shame that neither Sheffield nor her million-dollar campaign will. This column was updated to clarify Tate's position on endorsements in the mayor's race. Detroit Free Press intern Aurora Sousanis contributed reporting. M.L. Elrick is a Pulitzer Prize- and Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter, director of student investigative reporting program Eye On Michigan, and host of the ML's Soul of Detroit podcast. Contact him at mlelrick@ or follow him on X at @elrick, Facebook at ML Elrick and Instagram at ml_elrick. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Samuel L. Jackson opens his wallet for Detroit mayor's race Solve the daily Crossword
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It's a whole new Detroit mayor's race after the primary, pitting City Council President Mary Sheffield against the Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. Why it matters: The general election's narrowed playing field means higher stakes, new voters and more scrutiny for the remaining two campaigns. By the numbers: Sheffield had a commanding lead in the primary with 51% of the vote against Kinloch's 17%. What they're saying: Kinloch tells Axios that getting to the general was an accomplishment that cleared the clutter so voters can hear more on what they care about. "How can government … make life better for them? And that's one of the reasons I got in it, because I want to inspire people to get re-engaged and take control over their own narrative." Between the lines: Addressing the percentage point gap between himself and Sheffield, Kinloch sees an opportunity to engage voters who either didn't pick Sheffield or didn't vote in the primary. The Triumph Church pastor plans to intensify person-to-person campaigning, increase media visibility and see increasing vocal support from partners like the UAW, which endorsed him. Zoom in: Kinloch doesn't think the 30-year-old assault case that resurfaced in July affected the primary outcome. He reiterated hopes that Detroit's young people should be given second chances. "... Despite all that my opponents wanted to cloud the conversation with to deflect the real, substantive concerns that people had, the voters showed up and said, 'Listen, these are the things we care about, and we believe that these are the two (candidates) that need to have that conversation.'" Sheffield's campaign isn't shifting its strategy in the general election, but going "deeper into neighborhood outreach," campaign manager Chris Scott told Axios in an emailed statement. Sheffield is planning "Moving Detroit Forward" town halls in each district through the end of October to discuss her work and vision. The series starts Aug. 26 with a District 4 talk from 6-7:30pm at Jamison Temple Baptist Church, with more to follow. What consultants think Sheffield's lead is large — however, those who want to close the gap see support up for grabs. Two endorsement-getters from the primary, former nonprofit CEO Saunteel Jenkins and City Council Member Fred Durhal III, are now off the ballot. What they're saying: Now Sheffield and Kinloch "have a chance to reset and talk specifics, which they haven't, then that might be an eye opener and opportunity for the voters to … give them a fresh new look," political consultant Mario Morrow tells Axios. "The Sheffield team got their people out to the polls … but I was equally impressed with Kinloch." He forecasts the race will tighten and isn't counting out the potential for a comeback. Zoom out: Jessica McCall and Erika West, co-founders of national consulting firm Auburn Advisors, grew up in and around Detroit and have deep local political ties. "I want Detroit to have a mayor that leads a responsive government and is responsive to the needs of people and sees that as … the primary role. And I would love if that could be a woman," West says. West is also the daughter of Sharon McPhail, the last woman to make it through the city's mayoral primary back in the 1990s. McCall says she believes experience matters in the race.
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