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Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield announces bid for mayor

City Council President Mary Sheffield launches official campaign for Detroit mayor
City Council President Mary Sheffield launches official campaign for Detroit mayor 14:04

(CBS DETROIT) - Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield announced on Tuesday that she has launched her official campaign for mayor, adding she is ready to be the city's next top official.

Sheffield delivered remarks at a campaign event Tuesday night that featured speeches from community and local business leaders, including Judge Greg Mathis. 

Sheffield was first elected to the city council in November 2013, representing the city's fifth district. If elected, she would be Detroit's first female mayor. 

"Detroit, I see you. I hear you. I am you, and most importantly, I'm inspired by you," Sheffield said.

Sheffield's hand in the mayoral race comes after Mayor Mike Duggan announced he would not seek reelection and would instead launch an independent bid in Michigan's 2026 gubernatorial race. Duggan first took office in January 2014, and the city emerged from its historic bankruptcy in December of that year.

With Duggan's seat now open, names of other officials, including former Councilwoman Saunteel Jenkins and Councilman Fred Durhall III, have also surfaced as possible contenders.

Sheffield acknowledged Duggan's departure, saying "I commend his dedication and his commitment to improving our city."

With her campaign slogan, "Together We Can, Together We Will," Sheffield says she is focused on strengthening the city's economy and education, reducing crime, supporting small businesses and lowering property taxes for residents and businesses. She says she is also focused on providing access to affordable housing for all Detroiters and ensuring residents 

"We will be the place where our best and our brightest, our most vulnerable, our most creative, our most audacious are inspired to find their purpose right here in the city that we all love and call home," Sheffield said. "Detroit, I believe that our best days are ahead of us."

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