Detroit Next is a podcast and content series from BridgeDetroit focused on providing Detroiters with information on and access to the candidates running for election in 2025.
Reporter Malachi Barrett, founder Stephen Henderson, and I have sat down with most of the mayoral candidates on the ballot so far, and we’ve extended invitations to all.
As a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom, BridgeDetroit will not tell you who to vote for. But we hope that you can listen to the candidates speak about the issues facing Detroit in their own words and feel more confident in your decisions.
Here are the complete Detroit Next interviews with the mayoral candidates so far, in alphabetical order:
JONATHAN BARLOW
Despite trailing in the polls, mayoral candidate Jonathan Barlow believes he’s the only person in the race who can guide Detroit into being a world-class city of the future.
“It’s very clear that I’m just a different candidate. The plan that I keep on referring to is the only plan that continues to be presented. And so I believe voters, as well as the other candidates, as well as the city, have taken note of the things that I’ve said.”
JAMES CRAIG
Former Police Chief James Craig believes Detroiters should demand a leader who demands accountability. “Detroit Police Department was under federal oversight for 13 years, one of the longest running consent decrees, and we got out from under within one year of my administration, not by accident. Certainly, leadership played a key role, but accountability played a bigger role.”
FRED DURHAL III
Detroit City Councilman and mayoral candidate Fred Durhal III talks to BridgeDetroit’s Malachi Barrett about his plans to continue the momentum of development in the city if he’s elected mayor, and more heading into the election.
JOEL HAASHIIM
Detroit Mayoral candidate and businessman Joel Haashiim believes there is a lot at stake in this election and he’s the only candidate who has the chops to handle big issues like the Detroit Land Bank Authority, longstanding issues with the city’s largest school district, and more.
“First of all, you’re talking 54 years of domestic and international business. Then you’re talking about the ability to bring international companies and domestic companies into Detroit to do business. That’s job creation, that’s producing occupational wage jobs, careers, and that’s what we need in Detroit.”
SAUNTEEL JENKINS
Mayoral candidate and former Detroit City Council member Saunteel Jenkins talks to BridgeDetroit’s Malachi Barrett about the different ways she is qualified to be the city’s next mayor. Jenkins spent a decade running The Heating and Warmth Fund (THAW) as its CEO, and she believes that executive experience has prepared her to deal with the various city departments and $3 billion city budget she would oversee if elected.
SOLOMON KINLOCH
Detroit mayoral candidate Solomon Kinloch talks to BridgeDetroit’s Malachi Barrett about growing up in poverty, how he plans to address the affordable housing crisis if he’s elected mayor, and more heading into the election.
TODD PERKINS
Attorney Todd Perkins says his legal background will be a huge advantage for him in the mayor’s race, but will Detroiters agree when it comes time to vote? Perkins, who has served as the City Attorney for Highland Park and Inkster, runs his own law firm. He also advises the Detroit City Council on policy matters occasionally. This video was recorded at the Mackinac Policy Conference.
MARY SHEFFIELD
Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield explains how a decade-plus of experience serving the city’s legislative branch has prepared her to become mayor. Sheffield is the frontrunner in the race, by all accounts. But historically speaking, the path from City Council to being elected mayor is a tough one in Detroit. She details her plans for what she’d like to do about affordable housing, raising wages for Detroiters, and attracting young people back to the city.
DANETTA SIMPSON
More resources from BridgeDetroit:
- Want a quick rundown of how to vote and where to go? Check out our voter guide.
- Not sure what positions are up for election. We’ve got a guide for that, too.
- Have questions about the election and how it all works? Check out our FAQ. Not sure if you’re registered to vote? Check out the state’s Voter Information Center or come to any of our events and a representative from the League of Women Voters Detroit will be able to get you registered.
- Prefer a deep dive into Detroit’s politics with a heavy focus on issues and exclusive interviews with candidates? Check out the Detroit Next show on YouTube. If you prefer listening to watching, it’s also a podcast.
- Want to check out an election-related event in the community? See our list here, and follow along with reporter Malachi Barrett’s calendar as he keeps it updated as new things get scheduled.
- If you don’t know where to begin, check out our Elections page for all our content and be sure to let us know if we’re missing something you think would be helpful.
I have two that Im am eyeing and that is Pastor Kinloch – Where he didnt have a seat with the City department I still feel he will be a voice of change and learn the City department to earn that experiences. Helping people is helping people. My second choice is Santeel Jenkins – I was the front desk person when I actually met her and I she too is a genuine individual who will continue to be loyal I helping Detroiter and plus the first woman in Command here as the Mayor.
The audio on the Todd Perkins interview is really bad. Is there a transcript available?
Those who went to the Corporate Mackinaw Conference to stand on the Slave Auctioning Block are the Candidates that are bought and paid for by Corporate interests will not be able to serve two Masters needs.