City Councilman Fred Durhal III Enters Detroit Mayoral Race as Campaign Kicks Into Full Swing

Ebony JJ Curry, Senior Reporter | Fred Durhal III is making it plain—Detroit deserves better, and he believes he’s the one to make it happen. Standing in the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan, surrounded by his wife, children, parents, and a sea of supporters, the Detroit City Council Member for District 7 declared his candidacy for mayor with a promise to deliver for every Detroiter. His message was clear: opportunity should not be determined by a ZIP code. His campaign centers on ensuring that all Detroiters—regardless of neighborhood—can access the same economic growth, public safety, and community investment that some parts of the city have seen while others have been left behind.

Durhal laid out his vision for Detroit with the confidence of someone who has been in the trenches of public service. “Today, I am proud and humbled to announce I am running for the mayor of Detroit; the city that made me, my family and my community; the city that built America and opened the doors of opportunity for generations of people; the city where our children and grandchildren can dream big dreams and fulfill their greatest aspirations; the greatest city in America where we will forge our future together,” Durhal said. His message wasn’t about making vague promises; it was about making sure that Detroit lives up to its full potential—one that includes all of its people, not just a select few.

His campaign prioritizes bringing development and jobs to neighborhoods beyond the city’s downtown and Midtown areas, focusing on small business growth and workforce expansion. Durhal understands that economic progress cannot be concentrated in just a few districts while others fight for basic resources. He plans to cut through the bureaucracy that has kept many Black- and minority-owned businesses from thriving, ensuring access to capital and meaningful city partnerships. His work on the City Council, where he pushed for small business expansion and workforce development, lays the foundation for what he aims to do as mayor.

Durhal’s focus on youth is just as strong as his commitment to economic development. He is pushing for expanded access to early education and after-school programs, ensuring that Detroit’s children are set up for success long before they reach adulthood. The Detroit Promise scholarship program is a key resource, and Durhal wants to ensure that more young people can take advantage of it, removing barriers that have historically prevented students from accessing higher education and vocational training.

Public safety and neighborhood stability are at the forefront of his platform. Crime prevention goes beyond policing; it includes community-driven solutions that make neighborhoods stronger and safer. Durhal has already taken steps in this direction as chair of the City of Detroit’s gun violence task force. His work with ShotStoppers has proven that community involvement in crime reduction works, and he wants to expand those initiatives citywide. “As mayor, I’ll fight hard and work tirelessly, as I’ve done my whole life, to make Detroit a place where everyone gets a fair shake, no matter their ZIP code – where we keep our promises to ourselves and to each other, so everyone can thrive with pride and dignity,” Durhal said.

Durhal’s work on the City Council speaks to his ability to get things done. In District 7, he helped bring nearly 400 jobs through the $66-million rehabilitation of the former American Motors Corp. headquarters, a major investment in an area that had long been overlooked. He also worked to establish two recreation centers in District 7, which previously had none, including a $25-million center built in partnership with the Detroit Pistons. These aren’t just projects; they are investments in community well-being that provide spaces for families, young people, and local businesses to thrive.

Durhal’s time in the Michigan Legislature further highlights his ability to advocate for Detroit on a larger stage. As a former state representative, he brought more than $1 billion to Detroit, including $790 million dedicated to police, fire, and other city services. He also helped secure millions for road repairs and community resources, proving that he knows how to fight for Detroiters at the state level.

Durhal is not new to Detroit politics. His father, Fred Durhal Jr., was a Michigan state representative, and his mother, Martha Durhal, is an early education specialist. He was raised in the very community he now seeks to lead, attending Detroit schools and understanding firsthand the struggles that many families face. He and his wife, attorney Briaunna Buckner Durhal, are raising their two children in the city, making his stake in Detroit’s future deeply personal.

Durhal’s vision extends beyond policy—it includes direct engagement with the people of Detroit. He plans to hold regular coffee hours, town halls, and other forums where residents can voice concerns and offer feedback. His campaign isn’t built on distant leadership but on direct involvement in the everyday realities of Detroiters.

Durhal’s message resonates with those who have been calling for leadership that prioritizes the whole city—not just the parts that get the most investment. His campaign will likely highlight the disparities that have persisted for years, making the case that Detroit needs leadership that listens, acts, and delivers. “I want for my family what I want for everyone across Detroit – safe streets, strong neighborhoods, great schools and better jobs you can raise a family on. Neighborhood by neighborhood, block by block, as one city together, we can deliver on the promise of a strong future for every Detroiter,” he said.

Detroit’s mayoral race is now fully in motion, and Fred Durhal III has stepped forward with a promise to deliver for all of Detroit. His campaign will have to prove that his leadership can turn that promise into action. Detroiters will decide if his vision aligns with what they want for their city’s future.

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City Councilman Fred Durhal III Enters Detroit Mayoral Race as Campaign Kicks Into Full Swing

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