Detroit’s next mayor will inherit a city on the brink of transformation, but also one still carrying the weight of deep structural inequities. The question in front of voters this November is about leadership style, capability, accountability, and readiness to govern on day one.
After reviewing the records, platforms, and responses of both candidates in the general election, the Michigan Chronicle editorial board endorses Mary Sheffield for Mayor of Detroit.
In the primary election, the Michigan Chronicle co-endorsed Mary Sheffield (and former candidate Saunteel Jenkins), while expressing interest in hearing more from Solomon Kinloch Jr. and getting a more thorough understanding of his position on key issues that impact Detroit and its residents. We recognized his passion and moral clarity, and we said at the time that his candidacy could benefit from more visibility in the debate/discussion space with other candidates, plus a more detailed layout of his proposed policies, and a clearer explanation of how he planned to budget for them.
Since then, we’ve entered a two-person general election, and although Rev. Kinloch’s responses to our questions did offer more policy detail than we’ve seen previously, some of his plans remain more on the aspirational side. He spoke about his desires to, among other things, invest more in neighborhoods, decrease overspending within city departments, and provide tax relief to Detroit homeowners. Sheffield did the same, but she also outlined detailed paths to funding those initiatives to ensure that the city maintains a balanced budget and sees no decline in essential services.
Additionally, what Sheffield offers in this moment – where neither candidate has a history of governing the city – is a roadmap of credibility and a deep understanding of Detroit’s government.
Her platform reflects a thoughtful approach to neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, police reform and accountability, and improved access to basic city services. She has committed to launching a new Department of Human, Homeless and Family Services in an effort to consolidate and elevate the work of addressing poverty, absenteeism, and displacement. She pledges to reorganize resources and leverage philanthropic and public partnerships to avoid false promises built on uncertain budgets.
She is a proven public servant who brings over a decade of experience navigating Detroit’s complex political landscape. Her career has been shaped by a clear commitment to community investment, legislative advocacy, and equity in development. As City Council
President, she has authored and supported dozens of community-centered policies including the Neighborhood Improvement Fund, Home Repair Grants, the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, and the Right to Counsel legislation that protects vulnerable tenants. Her work has reflected both a grounding in grassroots organizing and a pragmatic understanding of city governance.
Crucially, Sheffield recognizes that too many Detroiters remain disengaged from local government. Her plan to create district-based Neighborhood Opportunity and Empowerment Hubs is not just an outreach effort, but a structural change aimed at bringing government into the neighborhoods. She wants to ensure that everyday Detroiters are shaping policy and accessing services where they live. This kind of citywide infrastructure is long overdue.
On housing, she proposes the creation of a centralized Homeownership and Housing Rights Office to help protect renters and homeowners from displacement. She’s also committed to expanding home repair programs, pursuing property tax reform, and addressing the supply crisis that continues to make Detroit housing unaffordable for too many working families. These plans are grounded in the work she’s already done and the relationships she’s already built.
Sheffield also speaks clearly about Detroit’s long-standing budget tradeoffs. She does not offer easy answers, but she does offer practical ones, including a commitment to diversifying revenue sources, advocating for structural tax reform at the state level, and responsibly phasing out unsustainable reliance on corporate tax abatements. She understands that building a more equitable Detroit means playing the long game while still delivering near-term results.
Her record also reflects a willingness to push back when needed. Despite frequent alignment with current Mayor Mike Duggan on key issues, she has shown independence in voting against several administration-backed deals, pushing for increased transparency, and authoring legislation to close the gaps where city programs were falling short. She has been clear that her administration will be distinct in tone and approach, with a stronger focus on equity, inclusion, and neighborhood input. Her understanding of the legislative process and city budgeting is unmatched in this race, and that matters when we’re talking about leading a city with a $2 billion budget and urgent challenges.
As of the time this writing, the two candidates have yet to participate in a public debate, and there is only one confirmed debate scheduled. The voters have been deserving of more head-to-head conversations between the two candidates about the future of this city, but elections are about choices.
Between the remaining candidates, the contrast is clear. Mary Sheffield offers experience, readiness, and a governing philosophy that balances bold action with pragmatic delivery. She won’t need the kind of learning curve that people might think she will. She does not need to guess how city departments work or what state-level advocacy will take. She understands the need to maintain essential city services and improve the quality of life for residents and has the wherewithal to be fiscally responsible in her pursuits. She is ready to lead, and she is prepared to deliver.
We urge Detroiters to vote for Mary Sheffield. Her platform is thoughtful, her record is grounded, and her vision is focused on the people and neighborhoods too often left behind. She has the tools to move Detroit forward — not just downtown, but district by district.
The Michigan Chronicle editorial board proudly endorses Mary Sheffield for Mayor of Detroit.
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