City Council President Mary Sheffield has been elected Detroit’s next mayor, defeating Fred Durhal Kinloch in Tuesday’s election.
According to The Associated Press, Sheffield and Kinloch, both Democrats, advanced to the general election after finishing first and second in the city’s nonpartisan August primary, where Sheffield earned nearly 51% of the vote compared to Kinloch’s 17%.
Sheffield, first elected to City Council in 2013 at age 26, has served as council president since 2022. She is the daughter of activist and pastor Horace Sheffield III of New Destiny Christian Fellowship.
Outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan endorsed her during the campaign, calling Sheffield “the most qualified person, the best prepared to be the next mayor.”
At a September rally, Sheffield outlined her priorities: education, public safety, and neighborhood revitalization.
“My commitment, Detroit, is to build on the foundation that has been laid working with Mayor Duggan and our council … by expanding opportunities, strengthening our neighborhoods and making sure that Detroit’s progress reaches every block and every family of this city,” she said.
Kinloch conceded Tuesday night, telling supporters that Detroit’s revival must include every community.
“You can’t make all of the investments downtown,” he said. “It has to reach the whole town.”
He also urged residents to stay engaged, saying, “This city’s in trouble and we need you to stand up and step up more now than ever before.”
