Detroit’s next mayor will be chosen without an incumbent defending the seat. For the first time since 1974, when Coleman A. Young made history, the path is clear for a new Black mayor to lead a city that remains over 80% Black. This shift reflects not only a political opportunity but a long-overdue return to representation rooted in the community’s core.
Fred Durhal III, a current Detroit City Councilman and former state representative, is entering the race with a resume grounded in public service. Representing northwest Detroit, Durhal has spent years navigating both state and local government, building a legislative track record that he says prepares him to manage the complexities of Detroit’s next phase of growth.
Durhal’s platform centers on continuing the city’s momentum while making sure that the impact of progress reaches across all neighborhoods. He has consistently advocated for policies that support housing access, small business development, and community safety. His experience in Lansing gives him a unique vantage point on how state policies and funding decisions affect Detroiters on the ground.
Throughout his career, Durhal has framed his leadership around accountability and access. He has called for stronger transparency in city governance, deeper investment in public services, and economic development that prioritizes Detroit residents first. His approach is rooted in the belief that long-term recovery and sustainability require leadership that understands how decisions at every level of government shape life in the city.
This interview captures Durhal’s full responses to the same 18 questions posed to all mayoral candidates. His answers reflect a knowledge of policy, a strong connection to the community he represents, and a focus on ensuring that Detroit’s future remains tied to the people who’ve built it.
