How Detroit's Black churches factor into election as two ministers vie to be mayor

As Detroit voters prepare to elect a new mayor this fall, the Black church once again is playing a profound role, but this time with two ordained ministers jockeying to become the city's next leader and shape policy decisions.

Both candidates, the Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. and City Council President Mary Sheffield, view working with faith-based organizations as key to improving city neighborhoods and a host of social issues.

If elected in November, Kinloch would be the first full-time minister to be a Detroit mayor in at least 125 years and perhaps the first in the city's history, according to a local historian. Sheffield comes from three generations of Detroit preachers.

Now, the candidates have launched a series of public forums that will mainly be held at churches across the city to connect with voters. By holding the events in churches, particularly Black churches, the candidates are reaching “probably the most reliable group of voters,” in Detroit, one pastor said.




https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2025/09/07/faith-detroit-black-churches-two-ministers-religion-factor-detroit-mayoral-race-sheffield-kinloch/85758195007/