2025 Detroit voter guide

Age: 37

Occupation: Detroit City Council President

Why she’s running: Sheffield believes that at such a critical time for Detroit, her voice and expertise would help ensure that the city’s resurgence is both inclusive and equitable for all.

“I am excited about the opportunity to really create a Detroit that works for everyone, to ensure that the marginalized, those who oftentimes are left out of the conversation, feel empowered and that we’re addressing those social issues like poverty, making sure that Detroiters are getting a living wage and investing in those that have been here in Detroit,” Sheffield told WDET’s Russ McNamara.

Key priorities:

• Economic empowerment – Bringing higher livable wage jobs to Detroit; reducing red tape for businesses; Exploring Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and expanding the M1 rail to improve speed and further service/
• Social services ‘safety net’ – Building a system of connected household resources that are easy to find and qualify for; targeting under-represented, low-income and seniors with new initiatives to address household needs; addressing homelessness through strong prevention strategies and partnerships that improve services, outreach and outcomes.
• Neighborhood restoration – Prioritizing investments in neighborhood infrastructure, from streets, sidewalks and alleyways to energy efficiency and home repair; creating Neighborhood Opportunity and Empowerment Hubs that bring city departments, essential programs, and community partner resources directly to residents,

Video by Citizen Detroit 

Age: 51

Occupation: Pastor of Triumph Church in Detroit

Why he’s running: Kinloch is one of the only candidates in the mayoral race who has not held an elected position. He views that as one of his strengths, and believes residents are tired of career politicians leading the city. He says his campaign’s message is rooted in service, leadership and intentional change, which he hopes will set him apart from other candidates.

“As mayor, I believe that the mayor is fueled and funneled by the same thing that drives me — your love and your concern for people. And people just want to be seen, people just want to be heard, and people who just want to receive and have access to the resources that this life and this government promises to give,” Kinloch told WDET’s Cary Junior II at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference.

Key priorities:

• Supporting healthy families – Funding food as medicine initiatives to fight food insecurity and reduce health risks; creating the Department of Opportunity and Empowerment (DOE) to coordinate all financial assistance programs across the city; partnering with Detroit schools to address social barriers to education.
• Creating safer neighborhoods – Investing in youth violence prevention to address the root causes of violence; expanding community violence intervention (CVI) programs; launching the “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design” (CPTED) strategy to reduce serious property crimes; expanding services for re-entry and rehabilitation programs to prevent recidivism; improving mental health support for law enforcement.
• Investing in affordable housing – Building 10,000 affordable housing units across the city; prioritizing development on vacant and underutilized land owned by the city and land bank; expanding rental assistance programs for the city’s most vulnerable residents; protecting existing Detroit homeowners by reducing property taxes, preventing foreclosures and expanding financial assistance programs; eliminating barriers for affordable housing development.

Video by Citizen Detroit