New Members Sworn-in at Detroit City Council

December 23, 2025

The Detroit City Council has welcomed two new members—Renata Miller, who fills the District 5 seat vacated by Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield, and Denzel McCampbell, who replaces Fred Durhal III. While members were sworn in during a December 9th orientation, a public inauguration ceremony is scheduled for January 9th at the Detroit Opera House. A major question facing the reconstituted council is who will serve as its next president, with Council Pro Tem James Tate expressing interest in the position that Sheffield previously held.

Who is affected

Renata Miller (new District 5 council member)
Denzel McCampbell (new council member replacing Fred Durhal III)
Detroit City Council as a nine-member body
Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield
Council Pro Tem James Tate (potential next council president)
Fred Durhal III (departing council member, joining Sheffield administration)
Outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan
Detroit residents, particularly those in District 5

What action is being taken

City Council members were sworn in during a December 9th orientation
Members are attending council meetings and events
Denzel McCampbell is hosting a public community event next month to celebrate his inauguration

Why it matters

This transition marks a significant shift in Detroit's city leadership, with new council members bringing fresh perspectives and a vacancy in the council presidency that will shape the legislative body's direction for the next four years. The council president role carries substantial power, including chairing the body, appointing committee assignments, and potentially succeeding to the mayor's office if a vacancy occurs. The council will need to navigate these leadership changes while addressing city policy issues, making the selection of the next president particularly consequential for Detroit's governance and future direction.

What's next

Public swearing-in event at the Detroit Opera House on January 9th at 10am
City Council will select its president and president pro tempore by majority vote at its first regular session in January
Denzel McCampbell will host a public community event next month to celebrate his inauguration

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle