Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield endorsed Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s campaign for governor on Monday at a senior home in New Center.
The event on Monday at the Pallister was a callback to Sheffield’s campaign, which targeted seniors and promised to improve conditions within apartments and senior facilities.
“I always knew that it was important to have a strong leader in Lansing to get things done, but serving my first six months has really reminded me the importance of strong leadership in Lansing to ensure that they’re fighting on behalf of the city of Detroit,” Sheffield said behind the podium.
Securing Sheffield’s endorsement is a major win for Benson’s campaign.
It was an open question whether Sheffield, a rising Democrat, would endorse Benson. Until former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, an independent candidate for governor, who dropped out of the race last month. Duggan endorsed Sheffield’s campaign for mayor last year after it became apparent she was the frontrunner to win the election.
On Monday, Sheffield said Benson has been there every time she’s called since taking office as a public official over a decade ago.
“My home here in Detroit, the city is better off because of your lifelong service. Thank you so much. My Michigan roots are right here in Detroit. This is the city where I have chosen to build my life, my career, raise my son, and as we recognize the growth of the city over this last decade, I know that the next 10 years will determine our future even more than the last,” Benson said.
The room where the endorsement even was held was filled with seniors at the Pallister senior living facility, located at 901 Pallister St, Detroit, MI 48202.
The Pallister is a 14-story apartment complex near the New Center and Virginia Park neighborhoods, with hundreds of affordable and subsidized units for seniors 62 and older with priority for priority placement also granted to those 50–61 and the disabled.
Residents who came to the event, including Valeria Patterson and Glenna Daniels, told Michigan Chronicle that they voted for Sheffield for mayor and plan to vote for Benson for governor.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson is also running for governor as a Democrat, but trails Benson in fundraising and in the polls. The winner of the Democratic primary will likely face Republican candidates U.S. Rep. John James, or businessman Perry Johnson.
Sheffield said Benson would be a true partner in fighting for affordable housing, good jobs, and a city young people want to stay and live in. She mentioned property tax reform, ways to generate revenue for the city, as well as neighborhood investment.
“We know the cost of groceries is high, to the gas pump, to the doctor’s office, and our housing market. The people in this room who are are on fixed incomes, Jocelyn Benson is and will fight for you. I know that,” Sheffield said.
