Who is Detroit’s first ‘first gentleman?’

December 10, 2025

Detroit's newly elected Mayor Mary Sheffield married Rickey Jackson Jr. in a private Sunday ceremony at The Godfrey Hotel, making history as Detroit's first female mayor while her spouse has no official title. Jackson works as a program manager for Project Play: Southeast Michigan at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and is the brother of WNBA player Rickea Jackson.

Who is affected

Mary Sheffield (Detroit Mayor-elect)
Rickey Jackson Jr. (Sheffield's spouse and program manager)
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (Jackson's employer and fiduciary for Sheffield's transition)
Detroit City Council (recently sworn in)
The Detroit public (represented by their first female mayor)

What action is being taken

The Detroit City Council is undergoing an orientation process organized by the City Clerk and Legislative Policy Division
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is serving as fiduciary for Sheffield's transition process
Jackson is working as program manager for Project Play: Southeast Michigan

Why it matters

This is a historic moment for Detroit as Sheffield becomes the city's first woman to serve as head executive, breaking a significant gender barrier in municipal leadership. The marriage also raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, as Jackson's employer is simultaneously managing Sheffield's mayoral transition. Additionally, there is no established protocol or official title for a mayor's spouse in Detroit, creating new precedent for the city.

What's next

Formal City Council sessions will resume in the first week of the New Year following their orientation process.

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com