Detroit’s top five mayoral candidates approached the 2025 primary with sharply different strategies. Each one operated from a distinct playbook shaped by how they’ve built political capital, who they mobilized, and how they positioned themselves to lead a post-Duggan city.

Sheffield dominates, Kinloch advances

Council President Mary Sheffield led the nine-person field with 51% of the vote, pulling 43,572 ballots in the August 5 primary. Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr., senior pastor of Triumph Church, came in second with 14,893 votes, securing 17% and advancing to the general election.

Saunteel Jenkins, former Detroit City Council President and CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), finished in third place with 13,732 votes. Attorney Todd Perkins placed fourth with 4,597 votes, while former

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