The 2025 Detroit mayoral race is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the city, as nine candidates vie to succeed outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan, who is pursuing a gubernatorial bid in 2026. The primary election is scheduled for August 5, 2025, with the general election set for November 4, 2025.

🗳️ Confirmed Candidates

According to official filings, the following individuals are running for mayor:

• Mary Sheffield: Current Detroit City Council President and council member since 2014. She aims to become the city’s first female mayor, emphasizing unity and prosperity for all Detroiters. Axios

• James Craig: Former Detroit Police Chief and Republican candidate for governor in 2022. He announced his mayoral candidacy in March 2025. Michigan Public+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3

• Fred Durhal III: Detroit City Council member representing the 7th district since 2021. He brings legislative experience to his campaign.Wikipedia

• Saunteel Jenkins: Former Detroit City Council President and at-large member from 2010 to 2014. She also served as a nonprofit CEO.Axios

• Todd Perkins: An attorney with a focus on community advocacy.

• Solomon Kinloch Jr.: Pastor of Triumph Church, one of Detroit’s largest congregations.

• Jonathan Barlow: Entrepreneur and founder of Let’s Talk Roundtable, a platform for community leaders to discuss Detroit’s challenges.Michigan Public

• Joel Haashiim: Businessman with a focus on economic development.

• DaNetta Simpson: Retired cosmetologist and niece of Elijah Muhammad, known for her community involvement.Wikipedia

📊 Voter Concerns

A survey commissioned by Outlier Media and conducted by the University of Michigan highlighted key issues for Detroit residents:Michigan Public

• Housing: Affordable and accessible housing remains a top priority.

• Transportation: Improving public transit options is crucial for mobility and economic access.

• Public Safety: Residents are seeking effective strategies to enhance safety in their neighborhoods.Axios

• Utility and Healthcare Costs: Rising costs are a significant concern for many Detroiters.

Notably, the survey revealed a trust deficit, with over 20% of respondents expressing no trust in local government to do the right thing, and only 9% indicating a high level of trust. Michigan Public

🏙️ Campaign Themes

During the first mayoral forum held on April 26, 2025, at Riverside Marina, candidates addressed several pressing issues:

• Economic Opportunity and Housing: Strategies to enhance economic growth and address housing shortages were discussed.

• Affordable Childcare: Candidates acknowledged the high cost of childcare as a barrier, particularly for women of color.

• Post-COVID Funding Strategies: With over $800 million in COVID-19 relief funds set to expire by the end of 2026, candidates proposed plans to sustain programs initiated with these funds. Axios

The forum emphasized the importance of empathy, dynamic interactions among candidates, and the significance of energy and turnout, particularly with the prospect of electing Detroit’s next African American mayor.Axios

🔗 Additional Resources

• Michigan Public: Detroit mayoral race overview

• Wikipedia: 2025 Detroit mayoral election

• Axios: Three takeaways from first Detroit mayoral forum

If you would like a comparative analysis of the candidates’ platforms or further details on specific policy proposals, feel free to ask!

Sources