If you’ve been away from the news for a minute, the answer to who is the mayor of Detroit MI has changed in a way that’s literally never happened before in the city's 300-year history.
As of January 2026, Mary Sheffield is the Mayor of Detroit.
She isn't just another name in a long line of politicians. She is the first woman to ever hold the office. Think about that for a second. Since 1806, when Detroit officially incorporated, it has been a strictly "men only" club at the top. Sheffield finally smashed that particular glass ceiling after a landslide victory in November 2025.
Honestly, the transition feels like a massive shift in energy for the city. For over a decade, Mike Duggan was the face of Detroit’s "resurgence." He was the guy who navigated the post-bankruptcy years, fixed the streetlights, and cleared out tens of thousands of abandoned houses. But Duggan decided not to go for a fourth term, opting instead to launch an independent bid for Governor of Michigan. That left the door wide open.
Making History: The 76th Mayor of Detroit
Mary Sheffield didn't just stumble into the job.
You’ve probably seen her name around if you live in the 313. She was the youngest person ever elected to the Detroit City Council back in 2013 at just 26 years old. She later became the Council President. Her pedigree is deep, too. Her father, Horace Sheffield III, is a well-known pastor and civil rights activist.
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When she won the election against Reverend Solomon Kinloch Jr., it wasn't even close. She pulled in roughly 77% of the vote. People were ready for what she calls "inclusive growth."
While Duggan focused a lot on the downtown core and getting the city’s finances in order, Sheffield’s pitch was basically: "What about the neighborhoods?" She’s been very vocal about making sure the people who stayed in Detroit during the hard years don't get priced out now that things are looking up.
What Her Administration is Actually Doing
It’s early days, but the vibe is already different. One of her first big moves in January 2026 was tapping the founder of University of Michigan’s Poverty Solutions to be the city’s first-ever Chief of Health, Human Services, and Poverty Solutions.
It’s a mouthful of a title, but the goal is simple. She wants to centralize all the social safety nets that usually feel scattered and impossible to navigate.
A Focus on Neighborhoods and Safety
Public safety is always the big question in Detroit. Sheffield is leaning hard into "community violence intervention." Basically, instead of just throwing more police at every problem, the city is funding groups that work directly on the streets to stop beefs before they turn into shootings.
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The numbers are actually looking decent. By the end of 2025, criminal homicides in the city were down about 19% compared to the previous year. Sheffield is trying to keep that momentum going while also dealing with the "underlying social issues" she talks about in almost every speech.
- Property Taxes: She’s pushing for a continued overhaul to prevent more foreclosures.
- Affordable Housing: A major priority is making sure new developments aren't just luxury lofts for people moving in from the suburbs.
- Youth Investment: She’s talking about partnering with libraries to create more "safe spaces" for kids after school.
Why People Are Still Talking About Mike Duggan
You can't really talk about who is the mayor of Detroit MI without mentioning the guy who just left. Mike Duggan was a powerhouse. He was the first white mayor in a majority-Black city in decades, and he managed to win over a huge chunk of the population by simply making the city function again.
But toward the end, there was a growing feeling that the "New Detroit" wasn't for everyone.
Duggan’s departure to run for Governor as an independent is a wild card. He says people are tired of both parties. Whether that works on a state level remains to be seen, but his endorsement of Sheffield before the election definitely helped smooth her path to the Manoogian Mansion.
What Most People Get Wrong About Detroit Politics
A lot of folks from outside the city think Detroit is some kind of political monolith. It's not.
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The 2025 election showed a real divide between the "business as usual" crowd and a younger, more progressive movement that Sheffield represents. She’s had to balance being the "establishment" candidate (as Council President) with being the "change" candidate.
It’s a tough tightrope to walk.
She also recently got married to Rickey Jackson Jr. in late 2025, which kept the local tabloids busy. It’s a reminder that while she’s a historic figure, she’s also a real person trying to navigate a very public life in a city that doesn't go easy on its leaders.
Actionable Insights for Detroit Residents
If you want to stay updated on what the Mayor’s office is doing or how it affects your block, here is how you can actually engage:
- Attend District Meetings: Sheffield is big on "taking government to the people." Check the City of Detroit website for the "Mayor in the Neighborhood" schedule.
- Monitor the Poverty Solutions Office: If you or a neighbor are struggling with housing or utility bills, this new department is designed to be the "front door" for help.
- Watch the City Council: Since Sheffield used to run the Council, she has a unique relationship with them. Keep an eye on how they vote on neighborhood grants—that's where the real money moves.
Detroit is in a weird, exciting transition. For the first time, a woman is at the helm, and the focus is shifting from "saving the city" to "sharing the city." Whether you’re a lifelong Detroiter or just curious about who is the mayor of Detroit MI, Mary Sheffield is the name you’ll be hearing for the foreseeable future.