Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Regional Chamber PAC has announced its endorsement of city council member Fred Durhal III for the position of Detroit mayor. This decision comes as part of the Chamber's ongoing efforts to support leaders who align with their policy priorities and interests in fostering a competitive business environment.

"The decision to endorse Durhal is rooted in the PAC’s proven track record of selecting capable leaders who align with the Chamber’s policy priorities and the best interests of the broader business community," stated the chamber. "The Chamber PAC is hopeful that this endorsement will help propel Durhal to a competitive position in the primary election and, should he be elected, that he will foster a competitive business climate, building on the exceptionally strong record of Mayor Mike Duggan."

With three weeks remaining until the primary election scheduled for August 5, this endorsement aims to boost Durhal's campaign. The primary will determine which two candidates advance to the general election on November 4. The mayoral race is nonpartisan, meaning that the top two candidates from the primary will face each other in November.

Recent polls indicate a tight race for second place among several candidates. Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. leads with 14%, followed by former Police Chief James Craig at 9%, Saunteel Jenkins at 8%, Attorney Todd Perkins at 4.3%, and Council Member Fred Durhal III trailing with 1.6%. Saunteel Jenkins remarked on the competition, saying “it’s a virtual jump ball for the second spot.” Meanwhile, Council President Mary Sheffield remains ahead in all polls conducted so far.

A poll by Glengariff Group found that 22% of voters remain undecided as Election Day approaches.

"As the largest business association in Michigan, and the chamber of commerce that represents Detroit and the greater Detroit Region, our Political Action Committee approved by necessary two-thirds majority of quorum required by Chamber PAC bylaws an endorsement of Councilman Fred Durhal in mayoral primary election," said Sandy K. Baruah, Chamber president and CEO along with David Foltyn, Chairman of Chamber PAC. "Durhal has demonstrated a strong economic development focus and detailed understanding of both city and state policy."

Fred Durhal III's campaign focuses on urban growth and neighborhood advocacy. He promises to make Detroit more appealing for large businesses through lower property taxes and tax abatements aimed at incentivizing development projects. One key element in his plan involves creating opportunities for young professionals to own homes within Detroit.

“You don’t become wealthy by saving your money,” Durhal stated during a debate hosted by Regional Chamber on Mackinac Island earlier this year. “You become wealthy by owning property...so you have ability pass that on from generation-to-generation.”

The chamber had previously invited five mayoral candidates including Durhal for debates held during May’s Mackinac Policy Conference; these individuals were also interviewed last week regarding potential endorsements from their Political Action Committee (PAC).