DETROIT (AP) — City Council President Mary Sheffield has become Detroit’s new mayor, marking a historic milestone as the city's first female leader. Sheffield triumphed over Rev. Solomon Kinloch, a well-known megachurch pastor, in the general election held on Tuesday.
Sheffield is set to assume office in January, succeeding Mike Duggan, who is stepping down after three terms to run for governor of Michigan as an independent.
Under Duggan's leadership, which began in 2014, Detroit has witnessed significant transformations, including improved city services like faster police response times and lighting, as well as efforts to eliminate blight. The city also reported 12 consecutive years of balanced budgets and historically low violent crime rates.
Despite its past struggles, Detroit's population has recently shown signs of growth, with an estimated 645,705 residents, up from previous figures.
Both Sheffield and Kinloch, who are Democrats, advanced to the general election after a competitive primary phase where Sheffield secured nearly 51% of the votes.
Having been a City Council member since 2013 and president since 2022, Sheffield's campaign focused on strengthening community ties and prioritizing education and safety in neighborhoods. Duggan endorsed her, citing her qualifications for the mayoral role.
In her acceptance speech, Sheffield pledged to build on the progress made under Duggan’s administration by ensuring that the city’s development benefits all areas of Detroit.
Rev. Kinloch, conceding the election, highlighted the need for more inclusive development throughout the city, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and support for affordable housing and safety initiatives.
Sheffield is set to assume office in January, succeeding Mike Duggan, who is stepping down after three terms to run for governor of Michigan as an independent.
Under Duggan's leadership, which began in 2014, Detroit has witnessed significant transformations, including improved city services like faster police response times and lighting, as well as efforts to eliminate blight. The city also reported 12 consecutive years of balanced budgets and historically low violent crime rates.
Despite its past struggles, Detroit's population has recently shown signs of growth, with an estimated 645,705 residents, up from previous figures.
Both Sheffield and Kinloch, who are Democrats, advanced to the general election after a competitive primary phase where Sheffield secured nearly 51% of the votes.
Having been a City Council member since 2013 and president since 2022, Sheffield's campaign focused on strengthening community ties and prioritizing education and safety in neighborhoods. Duggan endorsed her, citing her qualifications for the mayoral role.
In her acceptance speech, Sheffield pledged to build on the progress made under Duggan’s administration by ensuring that the city’s development benefits all areas of Detroit.
Rev. Kinloch, conceding the election, highlighted the need for more inclusive development throughout the city, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and support for affordable housing and safety initiatives.
