Former Detroit Council President Saunteel Jenkins Explores Mayoral Bid Amidst Determined Return to Politics

Former Detroit City Council President Saunteel Jenkins is making her way back into the city's political spotlight, weighing a run for Detroit's highest office. Announcing an exploratory bid for mayor yesterday, Jenkins brings to the table her extensive experience with community service and leadership post-council. She parted ways with the city council in 2014 to lead The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), a nonprofit aiding those struggling with utility bills. While at THAW, Jenkins contributed meaningfully, assisting numerous Detroit families during economic hardship.

Despite a diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer in 2020, she stated "It was the most difficult battle that I faced in my life." Jenkins emerged with a determined spirit, telling FOX 2 Detroit." Jenkins said. "I’m so clear that many people who went through what I went through, they didn’t survive it… It’s my obligation to give everything I can back to this city and this world." Her resilience shines as an integral part of her new vision for Detroit - a vision that includes tackling the city's crime rates, emphasizing youth crime reduction, and addressing the need for affordable housing.

As reported by ClickOnDetroit, Jenkins has formed an exploratory committee to aid her potential campaign, striving to build coalitions across voter, activist, and business communities. This move echoes her belief in comprehensive dialogue, expressed in her sentiments that a balanced communication between grassroots and business sectors is vital for Detroit's growth.

Jenkins's philosophy on leadership reflects her time both within and outside of municipal frameworks, telling The Detroit News, “When you are in public office, no matter what decision you make, some people are going to love it and some people are going to hate it." Undeterred by the inherent controversies of public service, Jenkins envisions inclusivity for the city she has known for the majority of her life, aiming to extend the progress seen downtown into all corners of Detroit.

Current mayor Mike Duggan, nearing the closure of his third term, has yet to announce his re-election intentions. Given this uncertainty and the political scene stirring with other potential candidates like Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, Jenkins's decision to launch her official campaign will arrive strategically once the landscape for the 2025 mayoral election becomes clearer.