Voters Send Mary Sheffield and Solomon Kinloch to Detroit Mayoral Runoff
Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. will move on to the general election in November in the race to become Detroit’s next mayor, succeeding outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan, according to reports
Sheffield emerged as the clear frontrunner in the August 5 primary, garnering approximately 51% of the vote, according to unofficial results. Kinloch came in second with about 17%, narrowly beating out former THAW CEO and former City Council President Saunteel Jenkins, who earned 16%.
At her victory celebration at the Cambria Hotel's Cielo Rooftop in downtown Detroit, Sheffield was emotional as she addressed hundreds of cheering supporters. Standing with her grandmother and TV judge Greg Mathis, she said: “Thank you so much, I am so full. Every day I was in the street, and they were saying 'We got you Mary.' And guess what? I got you.”
Sheffield dedicated the win to Detroit’s neighborhoods and senior citizens—who made up 60% of primary voters according to a recent report—saying, “The victory tonight is not mine, it is ours.”
Kinloch held his celebration at The Roostertail along the Detroit River, telling his supporters: “They threw everything at us. They threw in the kitchen sink. But we're still standing tonight.”
The August primary featured nine candidates vying to replace Duggan, who is stepping down after three terms to run for governor. Other candidates included Councilman Fred Durhal III, former Police Chief James Craig, attorney Todd Perkins, businessman Joel Haashiim, entrepreneur John Barlow, and DaNetta Simpson.
Jenkins conceded early Wednesday morning via an emailed statement from her campaign. During her watch party at The Enclave on Detroit’s northwest side, she told reporters her campaign had given its all despite facing candidates with built-in platforms—Sheffield as an elected official and Kinloch with a significant church following.
As the November election nears, Sheffield and Kinloch will now campaign citywide to earn the support of Detroiters eager for continued growth and change in leadership.
