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City councils

Detroit's 2025 Mayoral Primary: Candidates Diverge in Campaign Strategies

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Detroit's 2025 mayoral primary has become a study in political structure, with the top five candidates taking distinct approaches to campaigning, shaped by their understanding of voter engagement, political power, and what it takes to build long-term influence. With Mayor Mike Duggan not seeking reelection, the field is wide, and the stakes are high. Each candidate's strategy reflects their existing networks, leadership style, and understanding of how Detroit voters move.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mary Sheffield, Detroit City Council President, has relied on digital engagement and community touchpoints, using Instagram and Facebook to provide updates on policy work, community appearances, and campaign priorities. Her team has consistently used these platforms to reach existing supporters and reinforce her legislative record.
  • Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr., senior pastor of Triumph Church, has built his campaign through church-based organizing and longstanding relational networks. His team has focused on mobilizing from within existing community relationships, leveraging church-based organizing infrastructure, union mobilization, and faith-labor alignment.
  • Todd Perkins, a longtime criminal defense and civil litigation attorney, has approached the campaign with a ground-level focus, consistent door knocking, voter registration conversations, and person-to-person engagement. After the Mackinac Policy Conference brought new visibility to the mayoral race, Perkins expanded his communication strategy to include more frequent messaging on social media.
  • Saunteel Jenkins, former Detroit City Council Member and CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), has built her campaign around policy experience and institutional credibility. Her campaign has engaged with stakeholders through meetings, forums, and working groups focused on city services and resource distribution.
  • Fred Durhal III, Detroit City Council Member representing District 7, has structured his mayoral campaign around economic development, governance experience, and business alignment. His campaign secured a key endorsement from the Detroit Regional Chamber.

Statistics:

  • Mary Sheffield had raised approximately $1.3 million as of July 2025, more than double what her nearest competitors raised, and retained over $450,000 heading into early August.
  • Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr.'s campaign drew the UAW's endorsement, including Region 1 and 1A, representing more than 300,000 union members across metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan.
  • Todd Perkins has linked his legal background to the city's ongoing challenges around justice reform and municipal accountability.
  • Saunteel Jenkins received endorsements from The Detroit News and Michigan Chronicle, two major legacy Black press voices in this election.
  • Fred Durhal's campaign secured a key endorsement from the Detroit Regional Chamber.

Sources:

  • Detroit Free Press
  • EMILY's List
  • UNITE HERE! Local 24
  • Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters
  • SEIU Michigan
  • The Detroit News
  • Michigan Chronicle
  • Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan
  • UAW

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