We want your feedback: Who should lead Detroit?

Who should be the next mayor of Detroit?

I’ve been asking that question more and more as I travel around the city. Don’t worry, you won’t have to make up your mind for a while: Detroit will hold a primary for the nonpartisan office in August 2025 to narrow down two finalists who will face off that November.

But I’m asking because Mayor Mike Duggan announced this week that he won’t seek re-election, paving the way for the first open race since 2013. It’s the end of an era, or a regime, depending on how you look at it.

Here’s who has indicated they are interested in running to replace Duggan:

• Council President Mary Sheffield
• Council Member Fred Durhal III
• Nonprofit CEO Saunteel Jenkins
• Businessman Joel Haashiim

Each has formed candidate committees allowing them to raise money. Sheffield collected  $360,822 in donations. Jenkins raised $119,910. Durhal and Haashiim haven’t reported fundraising activity as of October.

Could Detroit see its first woman serving as mayor? Sheffield is considered a front-runner, though the race hasn’t really started yet.

She’s expected to formally announce her candidacy in December. Durhal said he would also be making an announcement around the turn of the New Year.

Duggan is expecting others will jump into the race. Here’s a few names I’ve been hearing, taken with a grain of salt, for candidates Detroiters would like to see:

• Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist
• Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate
• Triumph Church Rev. Solomon Kinloch, Jr. 
• Businessman Dennis Archer Jr.

Next year’s mayoral election is an opportunity for residents to have a voice in the city’s future.

I want to hear which issues matter most to you and what kind of leadership Detroit needs to move forward.

One thing I’ll be watching is how candidates talk about balancing downtown development with the needs of all Detroiters, addressing systemic poverty, and growing the city’s population.

Your insights will help us spotlight what’s most important as this coverage continues.

What qualities do you believe are essential in Detroit’s next mayor?

Should they focus on affordable housing, economic development, improving public safety, or revitalizing neighborhoods? What should be the mayor’s vision for jobs, education, transit and sustainability?

Let’s shape this conversation together.