Mary Sheffield’s win in the Nov. 4 Detroit mayoral election marked a number of historic firsts. It was the first time the city has elected a woman as its mayor and now Detroit will have its first Black woman as the head in its history. Beyond the Detroit history, Sheffield became the youngest Black woman elected as mayor of any U.S. city over 250,000 people…ever.
Sheffield and her campaign team released a statement following the election. Read the entire statement below.
Statement from Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield on Her Historic Election Victory:
Tonight, Detroit made history! When some said it couldn’t be done — that now was not the time — Detroit stood together and proved that anything is possible. Together we can, together we will, and tonight, together, we did.
This victory belongs to the people — to every Detroiter who believes in a shared vision for a city that works for everyone. I am deeply grateful to the residents of Detroit for your support, prayers, trust, and confidence. Whether you voted for me or not, I am here to listen, to fight, and to serve. Because at the end of the day, we all want the same thing: a Detroit that lifts up every resident and every neighborhood.
Over the past 330 days, we built more than a campaign — we built a movement. One Detroit, united across neighborhoods, generations, and backgrounds, proving that our collective power is unstoppable when we stand together. I’ve seen it in small businesses that anchor our communities, young people who demand a future they can believe in, and families who continue to believe in Detroit’s promise. This is the spirit of our city — innovative, resilient, and bold.
As we add a new chapter to Detroit’s 324-year history, I am humbled to stand as the first woman ever elected to lead this great city. I stand on the shoulders of the women who came before me and carry the responsibility to ensure I will not be the last. To every little girl watching tonight — know that you are gifted, powerful, and capable of achieving anything you believe in. No mountain is too high, no dream too big.
Detroit has always been a city of innovators, builders, and changemakers — from the birthplace of the labor movement to the home of Motown and the Arsenal of Democracy. Our story has always been one of grit, faith, and progress. And now, we write a new chapter together.
My administration will be guided by one simple truth: that every Detroiter deserves dignity, opportunity, and hope. We will invest in our neighborhoods, strengthen public safety, ensure access to affordable housing, support small businesses, and expand educational and youth opportunities. We will work shoulder to shoulder with our City Council, community partners, unions, and residents to build a Detroit that rises higher — together.
Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we go to work — rebuilding neighborhoods, creating good-paying jobs, and reclaiming Detroit’s rightful place among the world’s greatest cities.
Together, we made history.
Together, we will build a brighter future.
Together, Detroit will rise higher.
