by
Council President Mary Sheffield
With the Aug. 5 primary around the corner and absentee voting already underway, the Detroit Free Press on Monday announced it is endorsing City Council President Mary Sheffield for mayor.
The Free Press Editorial Board wrote:
We believe Mary Sheffield has the skills and vision to lead Detroit into the future.
Sheffield’s plans were the clearest and most precise, and her performance as council president shows she has the ability to bring her ideas to fruition.
Sheffield discusses the minutiae of city government with ease and depth. She has delivered substantive public policy and prides herself on meeting with constituents in person—identifying natural gathering places and going there to inform residents about city services and programs.
The Free Press noted that the race is filled with "qualified, accomplished professionals," but said "four stand out: Council President Mary Sheffield; The Heat and Warmth Fund CEO Saunteel Jenkins, herself a former council president; Triumph Church’s Rev. Solomon Kinloch; and District 7 Councilman and former state lawmaker Fred Durhal III."
The board praised these candidates, saying: "Jenkins has a deep command of the city’s challenges. Kinloch knows how to inspire. Durhal is a thoughtful policymaker."
However, it concluded that the city will face significant challenges in the coming years, and Sheffield is the best candidate to meet them.
The editorial also praised Mayor Mike Duggan for improvements made in the city, including emergency response times, improved parks, more efficient garbage collection, pay raises for police and creating a budget surplus.
Still, it noted that many pressing problems remain to be addressed.
To read the full editorial click here.
Also Read:
Adolph Mongo: Mary Sheffield Is Not Ready for Prime Time (May 30, 2025, Deadline Detroit)
