Another Former Opponent Endorses Sheffield for Detroit Mayor

September 22, 2025

Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal III has endorsed City Council President Mary Sheffield for mayor of Detroit, becoming the second former mayoral opponent to back her candidacy. Durhal made the announcement at In Harmony Cafe on Detroit's west side, emphasizing Sheffield's 12 years of experience and leadership in city government. He stressed that Detroit needs experienced leadership rather than a "rookie" in the city's top position, highlighting Sheffield's work on ordinances and neighborhood development.

Who is affected

Detroit residents and voters
City Council President Mary Sheffield
Councilman Fred Durhal III
Rev. Solomon Kinloch (Sheffield's opponent)
Business owners in Detroit's commercial corridors (like In Harmony Cafe)
District 7 residents
Detroit neighborhoods outside downtown

What action is being taken

Durhal is publicly endorsing Sheffield for mayor
Sheffield is running a campaign focused on neighborhood development and inclusive growth
The mayoral race is progressing toward the November 4 general election
Sheffield is speaking with other potential endorsers like Councilmember Latisha Johnson
Durhal is advocating for experienced leadership for Detroit

Why it matters

This represents significant political support for Sheffield from a former opponent
Durhal is the first sitting council member to endorse a mayoral candidate
The endorsement emphasizes the importance of experienced leadership for Detroit's future
The venue choice highlights a focus on neighborhood commercial corridors outside downtown
The endorsement adds to Sheffield's momentum following Saunteel Jenkins' recent backing
It underscores concerns about having inexperienced leadership for Michigan's largest city

What's next

Detroit residents will vote in the general election on November 4
Other council members including Latisha Johnson and Gabriela Santiago-Romero may make endorsements
Sheffield and Kinloch will continue their campaigns for the mayoral position

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle