Detroit’s Poll is in as Voters Signal Who is Leading the Race for Mayor

Mary Sheffield has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the Detroit mayoral race, according to a new poll conducted on behalf of the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus. With just under six months before the August 5 primary, Sheffield holds a commanding lead with 34 percent of the vote. Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig trails in second place with 20 percent, while former City Council President Saunteel Jenkins follows with 12 percent. Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. comes in at 5 percent, attorney Todd Perkins at 4 percent, state Rep. Joe Tate at 2 percent, Councilman Fred Durhall III at 1 percent, and businessman Joel Haashim registering no support. Another 21 percent of voters remain undecided. The poll, conducted by Douglas Fulmer & Associates between February 16 and 20, surveyed 400 Detroiters and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points. Among those polled, Black voters made up 68 percent of the sample, while White voters accounted for 22 percent and others 19 percent. Pollster Ed Sarpolus, executive director of Target Insyght in Lansing, explains the results are primarily a reflection of name recognition at this stage in the race. “Essentially, the other people are going...