DETROIT (WWJ) Mary Sheffield took the Oath of Office on New Year's Day, officially becoming Detroit's 76th mayor and the first woman to hold the position in The City.
With her husband by her side, holding their family bible; she was sworn in at 10 a.m. at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center.
"I am incredibly honored to serve as Detroit's mayor," Sheffield said. "This moment is bigger than me-- it represents progress, possibility and the power of community."
Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey conducted the ceremony while a small group of Sheffield's family-- including Sheffield's grandmother and her aunt-- looked on.
The new mayor spent her afternoon visiting with and providing lunch to first responders at Detroit Fire Department's Engine 27/Ladder 8 and the Detroit Police Department 5th Precinct. Her afternoon concluded with a visit to Capuchin Soup Kitchen to serve meals to people who are homeless or food-insecure.
"My administration will be rooted in service to others," Sheffield said. "... Serving Detroiters and leading city employees effectively begins with meeting them where they are, listening and letting them know how much they are valued."
Sheffield, 38, has served on City Council since 2013 and as Detroit City Council President since 2022. She was the youngest person ever elected to City Council then at the age of 26.
She won by a landslide in the November election with 78.2% of the vote. Reverend Solomon Kinloch Jr., pastor of Triumph Church, was her opponent.
She fills the seat of former mayor, Mike Duggan, who held the office since 2014. Last year, Duggan announced his intentions for a 2026 gubernatorial run as an independent candidate.
Sheffield is slated to participate in a public celebration at the Detroit Opera House on January 9th, where Detroit city council members, police commissioners and City Clerk Winfrey will be sworn in.
According to a City of Detroit press release, Sheffield's administration will support strengthen neighborhoods, public safety initiatives, job growth opportunities, affordable housing plans and fostering "sustainable growth."