Mary Sheffield Elected as Detroit's First Female Mayor

Sun Nov 30 2025 22:20:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Mary Sheffield has been elected as the new mayor of Detroit, making history as the first woman to assume the city's top position. She will take office in January 2024, succeeding three-term Mayor Mike Duggan.

Mary Sheffield, the current City Council President, won the Detroit mayoral election against Rev. Solomon Kinloch, marking a significant moment for the city as she becomes its first female leader. Sheffield promises to continue improving city services and focusing on education, public safety, and inclusivity as she takes on her new role. The city, which has seen a positive turnaround since its bankruptcy in 2014, is now experiencing growth and reduced crime numbers.

DETROIT (FlashPoint) — Mary Sheffield, the City Council President, has made history by being elected as Detroit’s first female mayor. She triumphed over Rev. Solomon Kinloch in a closely watched election on Tuesday.

Sheffield will assume her role in January 2024, taking over from Mike Duggan, who has served three terms and opted not to seek reelection as he prepares for a campaign for Michigan's governorship.

With a history of serving on the City Council since 2013, Sheffield has been at the forefront of Detroit’s recovery and revitalization efforts following its bankruptcy in 2014. Under Duggan's leadership, the city has achieved balance in budgeting and noted improvements in public safety metrics.

The former mayor reported that city services have seen enhancements such as increased public lighting, blight elimination, and a reduction in police response times. Detroit's population is also showing growth after decades of decline, with recent census data revealing a modest increase of 12,487 residents.

In the primary election, Sheffield outperformed Kinloch by securing nearly 51% of the vote. Throughout her campaign, she emphasized a commitment to enhancing education and public safety while ensuring the progress touches every neighborhood in Detroit.

The campaign was marked by themes of unity and collective growth. Kinloch, in his concession speech, urged the community to remain engaged in city governance, stressing the need for equitable investments across all areas of the city.

Sheffield expressed her commitment to 'building on the foundation' laid by Duggan, emphasizing the need for expanded opportunities within Detroit. Her election represents not just a personal milestone but a symbolic shift in leadership for the city.