Mary Sheffield is a lifelong Detroiter, public servant, and trailblazing leader who made history in November 2025 as the first woman ever elected Mayor of the City of Detroit. In a landslide victory, winning over 77% of voters, her election marked a defining moment for the city—one rooted in progress, equity, and people-centered leadership.

Raised in a family grounded in service and social justice, she proudly stands on the shoulders of civil rights leaders. Her grandfather, Horace Sheffield Jr., founded the Detroit Trade Union Labor Council (TULC) and the Detroit Association of Black Organizations (DABO). Her father, the Rev. Horace Sheffield III, is a longtime organizer and minister, and her mother, Yvonne Lovett, a nurse, instilled in her the importance of compassion and service to humanity.

Mary’s journey in public service began in 2013 when, at just 26 years old, she became the youngest person ever elected to the Detroit City Council, representing District 5. During her tenure, she chaired the Neighborhood and Community Services Standing Committee and served on the Planning and Economic Development and Budget, Finance, and Audit Standing Committees. She also represented Detroit on regional and city boards, including the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), and the General Retirement System Pension Board.

In January 2022, Mary again made history as the youngest person elected President of the Detroit City Council. Throughout her time on Council, she built one of the most impactful legislative records in the body’s history. Her work includes landmark policies and initiatives such as Inclusionary Housing, Property Tax Reform, Community Input Over Government Surveillance (CIOGS), Home Repair Grant Funding, the Industry Standards Board, the Neighborhood Improvement Fund, the Neighborhood Beautification Program, the Homeowners Property Tax Exemption (HOPE), Right to Counsel, and Responsible Contracting.

Beyond legislation, Mayor Sheffield is known for taking government directly to the people. Her community engagement efforts include the widely praised “Conversations with the Councilwoman” series, annual State of the Youth Symposiums, and Occupy the Corner – Detroit, a flagship community event featuring civic leaders, artists, and cultural influencers. She has also launched initiatives such as the Neighborhood Angels Program, the Homelessness and Affordable Housing Taskforce, the Detroit Reparations Taskforce, and the Detroit Girls of Destiny mentoring program.

Mayor Sheffield’s leadership has earned her numerous honors, including Crain’s 20 in Their 20s and 40 Under 40, Michigan Chronicle’s Women of Excellence and Power 50 Leaders, the NAACP Great Expectations Award, the Black United Fund’s Black Excellence Award, the JoAnn Watson Soul Day Soul Sister Award, and the Maryann Mahaffey/Erma Henderson Elected Official of the Year Award.

As Mayor, Mary Sheffield leads with vision, collaboration, and a deep belief in Detroit’s people. Guided by faith and driven by justice, she is focused on revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding economic opportunity, and ensuring access to essential services for all residents. Her administration is committed to ensuring Detroit’s continued renaissance is inclusive, equitable, and shaped by the voices of the community.