DETROIT – Detroit mayoral candidates are making their final campaign pushes across the city as the August 5 primary election approaches.
Nine candidates are vying for two spots in the general election.
Mayoral hopefuls Mary Sheffield and Saunteel Jenkins spent Tuesday afternoon (July 22) meeting with seniors, highlighting the importance of engaging with Detroit’s elderly community.
“The focus is getting to every voter. We are knocking on doors. We are in senior buildings like the one we are in now,” Jenkins said.
Sheffield expressed confidence in her standing in the race.
“We are staying connected, boots on the ground, engaging with residents, and really feel good,” Sheffield said.
Meanwhile, candidate John Barlow spent time campaigning on the city’s West Side.
“We have been doing a phenomenal job by talking to the residents, making sure we understand both their needs as well as their business needs,” Barlow said.
Candidate Joel Haashiim’s campaign told Local 4 that they’re trying to reach as many Detroiters as possible with their message.
Housing and homelessness are top concerns, voter Lawrence Brooklings told Local 4.
Some voters, like Linda Sutton, expressed skepticism about promises candidates make on the campaign trail
“So many times they come in and they say they’re going to do something and they don’t. So I just want to see what you’re going to do,” said Sutton.
The upcoming change in leadership has prompted voters to reflect on Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s tenure and their expectations for his successor.
“Everybody has good and bad. But for me (Duggan) showed up like he needed to,” voter Lisa Walker said.
Angelo Parks remains undecided about who he will support to replace Duggan.
“They have to show me that they will continue that trend that Duggan has set for the city,” said Parks.
Detroit voters don’t need to wait until Aug. 5 to cast their ballots.
Absentee voting is currently underway.
Early in-person voting for the primary runs from July 26 to August 3.
Local 4 reached out to all nine candidates on Tuesday via email and spoke on camera with the candidates who made themselves available before our deadline.