DETROIT (WWJ) -- Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is endorsing City Council president Mary Sheffield for Detroit mayor.
Duggan made the announcement alongside Sheffield at an event late Wednesday morning.
“For 12 years Mary Sheffield has been a major force in Detroit’s recovery,” Duggan said. “She used her leadership on Council to make sure every voice was heard and to make sure each program included all Detroiters. She is clearly the most qualified candidate to be the next Mayor of Detroit.”
Sheffield, viewed by many as the front-runner in the race, earned a large majority of the votes in the city's Aug. 6 primary, with Rev. Solomon Kinloch coming in second place.
Sheffield and Kinlock with face off in November to replace outgoing Mayor Duggan, who is leaving his role after more than a decade as he campaigns as an independent for governor of Michigan.
Sheffield was first elected to Detroit City Council in 2013 at the age of 26 — the youngest person ever elected to the council. She has been the council’s president since 2022.
Sheffield said she's grateful for Duggan’s endorsement, calling it a powerful affirmation of their years of partnership and shared commitment to the city’s future.
“I am truly honored to receive Mayor Duggan’s endorsement,” shared Sheffield. “Over the past decade, we have worked side by side to move our city forward, and I am grateful for his confidence in my leadership. His support means a great deal, but most importantly, it strengthens my resolve to keep fighting for Detroiters and to ensure every voice in our city is heard and valued.”
Following the announcement, Rev. Kinloch released a statement saying Mayor Duggan has no right to "decide elections."
"This campaign is about voters who want to see investment in neighborhoods, not just Downtown," Kinloch said. "They want a mayor who will make housing affordable for everyone, a leader who will attack poverty, and someone with a proven record of taking direct action to uplift our communities."
Kinloch received just over 17% of the vote in the primary election.