Detroit City Council President and mayoral candidate Mary Sheffield is set to make a major announcement in her campaign for the 2025 Detroit mayoral race on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Sheffield will be joined by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is expected to officially endorse her candidacy for mayor. The event will take place at a location to be disclosed, and members of the media are encouraged to attend as the endorsement marks a critical moment in the lead-up to November’s race.
In addition to Duggan, local community leaders – including Geraldine Noble, a Detroit homeowner, and Vinnie Freeman, President of the Burlingame Block Club of Woodward Village – will also speak at the event, emphasizing Sheffield’s commitment to the future of Detroit. This endorsement from Duggan comes at a time when the mayoral contest in Detroit is heating up, and Duggan is facing mixed reactions and some scrutiny over his strategies during his gubernatorial race as an independent candidate.
The announcement is expected to bolster Sheffield’s standing over her November opponent Rev. Solomon Kinloch. Sheffield has built a reputation as a progressive voice on the Detroit City Council, advocating for affordable housing, public safety reform, and job creation for Detroit residents.
Duggan’s Recent Headlines: A Rocky Road to 2025
While Duggan’s endorsement of Sheffield signals a shift in the political landscape, the mayor’s recent headlines have been marked by controversy and political maneuvering. Duggan has come under fire for the substantial amount of campaign donations he has received from Republican sources. In recent months, financial filings have shown that a significant portion of Duggan’s funding has come from outside Detroit, including donations from GOP-affiliated donors, raising questions about his political loyalties and the implications for his future in local politics.
Adding fuel to the fire, Duggan recently credited former President Donald Trump for the city’s reduction in carjackings. The mayor’s comments came as part of a broader discussion on public safety, where he attributed some of the decline in violent crimes to the work of federal law enforcement agencies under Trump’s administration. These remarks have stirred controversy among Detroit’s predominantly Democratic electorate, with some residents questioning the appropriateness of such praise, given the city’s strained relationship with Trump during his presidency.
Furthermore, Duggan’s influence continues to be felt within Michigan’s political circles. Earlier this week, the mayor hosted a gathering that brought together over 215 Democratic and Republican state leaders to discuss pressing issues facing Detroit and Michigan at large. The bipartisan event saw participation from figures across the political spectrum, highlighting Duggan’s unique ability to bridge divides in the state capital.
Sheffield’s Vision for Detroit
Sheffield’s campaign has focused on championing policies that prioritize community-driven development and equity for all Detroit residents. Known for her work on the City Council, Sheffield has been a staunch advocate for affordable housing initiatives and small business development. Her message has resonated with Detroit’s younger, more diverse demographic, which is looking for change and a new direction for the city.
As Sheffield moves forward in the race, she and her supporters hope that Duggan’s endorsement will help her further her lead over Kinloch, as results from this month’s primary highlight a sizeable lead in the race. During the primary, she received more than 50% of the votes, while Kinloch received less than 20%.
