Detroit's Mayoral Race: Candidates and Their Key Priorities

As the city of Detroit prepares for a significant political shift, the upcoming mayoral election is attracting considerable attention. With Mayor Mike Duggan stepping down to launch a campaign for governor, nine contenders are now in the race, eager to present their visions for the city's future.

Mayor Duggan has held the office since 2013 and was re-elected twice, contributing to Detroit's noteworthy population growth—a trend not seen in decades. According to recent statistics, the city saw a slight increase of under 2,000 residents from 2022 to 2023, indicating a turning point for Detroit.

Critical Concerns for Detroit Residents

Insights shared by Briana Rice from Outlier Media during an interview with Michigan Public Radio's Doug Tribou highlight the main issues impacting Detroit voters. A survey by the University of Michigan, commissioned by Outlier, indicates that residents are particularly focused on housing, transportation, safety, utility costs, and healthcare. Notably, trust in local government appears to be a significant concern, with over 20% of respondents expressing a lack of confidence in their leaders; conversely, only 9% reported having complete trust.

Rice stated, “I want to ask candidates directly, what are you gonna do about transit? How are you going to make Detroiters feel safer? And we have some pretty big housing needs in a lot of Detroit.” These questions are critical as they target the candidates' strategies for addressing Detroit's ongoing challenges.

Changes in Demographics and Development Trends

Under Duggan's administration, Detroit has experienced demographic changes, including an increase in white residents, particularly in the central areas. However, development efforts seem concentrated in just the central 7.2 miles of the city, raising questions among residents about the timeline for expansion into other neighborhoods—a topic likely to be emphasized by the candidates during the campaign.

Candidate Overview

For voters seeking information on the candidates and their priorities, Outlier Media has compiled a comprehensive guide. Here’s a snapshot of the individuals in the race:

• Jonathan Barlow (40): Community leader and founder of Let's Talk Roundtable, addressing Detroit's challenges.

• James Craig (68): Former police chief and retired gubernatorial candidate.

• Fred Durhal III (41): Serving city council member representing District 7.

• Joel Haashiim (75): Entrepreneur and former wholesale distributor.

• Saunteel Jenkins (54): Former city council member and recently retired from the Heat and Warmth Fund.

• Solomon Kinloch (51): Senior pastor at Triumph Church.

• Todd Perkins (55): Litigator and founder of The People’s Voice nonprofit.

• Mary Sheffield (37): Current city council president and the youngest candidate in the race.

• DaNetta Simpson (53): Retired cosmetologist.

Election Framework and Upcoming Dates

Detroit's nonpartisan primary election is planned for August 5, where the field of nine candidates will be narrowed down to the top two who will move on to the general election in November. Historically, voter turnout peaks during presidential election years, making this primary a crucial step in determining the city's leadership moving forward.