Fred Durhal III, Detroit City Council member for District 7, is making moves toward a potential run for mayor of Detroit. On Monday, he took a significant step forward by forming an exploratory committee, signaling his intent to enter the 2025 mayoral race. This decision comes after months of conversations with local leaders and advisers, positioning Durhal as a contender who seeks to bridge the gap between corporate interests and the needs of everyday Detroiters.
Durhal, son of former state Rep. Fred Durhal Jr., is no stranger to public service. His history in politics and government spans nearly a decade, including two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, where he served as Assistant Democratic Leader and ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee. His work in Lansing brought over $1 billion in resources to Detroit, alongside millions in additional funding for local infrastructure, education, and community services.
“Detroit is my home and I have been honored to serve my community as an elected public servant for almost a decade,” Durhal said. “Detroit has momentum on our side, and I’m excited to do my part to keep that positivity going, bring people together, and build on our amazing partnerships in Detroit and across Michigan.”
As Durhal inches closer to an official mayoral campaign, he joins an expanding pool of candidates for the 2025 election. City Council President Mary Sheffield, former Detroit council president Saunteel Jenkins, and businessman Joel Haashiim have already entered the race. But as Detroit moves into the future, what kind of leadership does the city need? And what challenges lie ahead for the next mayor?
Durhal’s decision to explore a mayoral run raises important questions about the direction of Detroit’s growth and who it serves. While downtown Detroit has experienced a significant revitalization, many residents in the neighborhoods have not felt the same benefits. Durhal acknowledges this divide and emphasizes that his focus has always been on delivering for every Detroiter, not just the city’s corporate elite. “It is important that we build up our communities in a way that serves every Detroiter. And every Detroiter should enjoy the luxury of walkable communities where everything they need is within walking distance of their home,” Durhal said.
Durhal’s record of community-driven leadership is extensive. While in Lansing, he fought for millions of dollars in funding for crucial programs like the Dexter Elmhurst Community Center and reading initiatives in Detroit Public Schools. His work on the Detroit City Council has focused on affordable housing, commercial development, and neighborhood revitalization. Durhal led efforts to secure a $66 million investment in the rehabilitation of the former American Motors headquarters, resulting in hundreds of new jobs. He also spearheaded funding for parks, recreation centers, and small business development in District 7.
However, as Durhal contemplates a run for mayor, the question remains: can he balance the interests of both Detroit’s corporate growth and its long-standing community needs? The city’s transformation over the last decade has been hailed as a success by some, but for many residents, particularly in underserved neighborhoods, the resurgence has felt distant. Durhal has spoken extensively about his desire to ensure that Detroit’s future is one where every Detroiter can thrive. But can he deliver on that vision as mayor?
Durhal has expressed a deep commitment to supporting Black and minority-owned businesses, writing an op-ed urging federal legislators to remove barriers that prevent minority entrepreneurs from accessing loans. He has also sponsored legislation to boost affordable housing and create new opportunities for small developers in Detroit’s neighborhoods. “Whether I served in Lansing as a state representative or on the Detroit City Council, I have always delivered for Detroit,” he said. “What I want for my wife and two children, I want for every Detroiter. Detroit is only better when every Detroiter has the opportunity to do better.”
As he builds momentum toward a possible mayoral bid, Durhal has framed his potential run as an extension of his work in public service. He has been clear about his priorities—safe streets, clean communities, and economic opportunities for all Detroiters. Yet, as the race heats up, there are many factors at play. How will Durhal differentiate himself from other candidates? Will his message of inclusivity and community-driven growth resonate with voters across the city, or will he struggle to break through in a crowded field?
The next mayor of Detroit will undoubtedly face significant challenges. The city’s economic resurgence has been celebrated, but issues of affordability, gentrification, and equitable access to resources persist. For many Detroiters, the question is not just about continuing the progress made over the last decade, but about ensuring that the city’s growth benefits everyone—not just those with corporate ties or access to capital. Durhal’s campaign will likely focus on his record of delivering resources and opportunities to District 7, but can he scale that vision to encompass the entire city?
As Durhal puts it, “Being Mayor of the City of Detroit would give me the opportunity to expand our vision for Detroit’s resurgence. I look forward to working with the community to craft that vision of progress going forward and to continue building our city together.”
Detroit is at a critical crossroads. With the 2025 election on the horizon, residents must ask themselves what kind of leadership the city needs for the next phase of its evolution. Is Durhal the right candidate to navigate the complexities of corporate interests while staying rooted in community needs? Or will another contender emerge as the champion of a truly inclusive Detroit?
As the race unfolds, Durhal’s campaign will be one to watch, not just for the policies he puts forward, but for how he intends to bridge the divide that has defined so much of Detroit’s recent history. His potential run poses essential questions for the city’s future: How do we ensure that every Detroiter feels the benefits of the city’s resurgence? What kind of leadership is required to guide Detroit through the next decade? And can a candidate like Durhal balance the competing interests of development and equity, ensuring that Detroit’s future includes everyone?
These are the questions Detroit must grapple with as it looks to its future, and Fred Durhal III’s potential candidacy will play a pivotal role in shaping that conversation.
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