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Detroit Mayoral Race Heats Up: Sheffield vs. Savage

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 0:01 GMT by CBS News
      Locales: Michigan, UNITED STATES

Detroit, MI - February 12th, 2026 - The race to succeed long-time Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is gaining momentum, with a sharp debate Wednesday night between frontrunners Mary Sheffield and Babette Savage highlighting fundamental disagreements over the city's direction. The televised forum, moderated by CBS News Detroit's Anne Marie Edwards, offered voters a clear contrast between Sheffield's promise of continued stability built on existing financial strategies, and Savage's call for radical change to address deep-seated inequities.

Sheffield, currently Detroit's Chief Financial Officer, consistently positioned herself as the experienced hand needed to navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape. She repeatedly emphasized her role in steering the city through the financial turmoil of the recent pandemic, touting fiscal responsibility as the cornerstone of Detroit's recovery. "I've worked tirelessly to ensure that the city's financial stability continues," Sheffield stated, framing her candidacy as a continuation of policies that have demonstrably improved Detroit's economic standing. She pointed to recent bond upgrades and increased investment as evidence of her success, implicitly criticizing Savage's proposals as potentially destabilizing.

Savage, a former Wayne State University professor with no prior experience in city government, presented herself as an outsider with a fresh perspective. She argued that Detroit's progress has been unevenly distributed, leaving many residents behind. Her central argument revolved around the need for "bold leadership" and a willingness to "shake things up" to prioritize the needs of all Detroiters - a phrase she repeated throughout the debate. Savage didn't shy away from criticizing the Duggan administration, suggesting that incremental changes are no longer sufficient to tackle the city's persistent problems.

Public safety emerged as another key battleground. While both candidates acknowledged the importance of reducing crime, they offered differing approaches. Sheffield highlighted the city's investments in community-based programs and ongoing collaboration with law enforcement, emphasizing a strategy of targeted intervention and increased police presence in high-crime areas. She acknowledged that "more work" remains to be done, but defended the current approach as having already yielded "significant progress."

Savage, however, argued for a more holistic approach, focusing on the "systemic issues that drive crime." She advocated for greater investment in social programs, affordable housing, and job training initiatives, arguing that addressing the root causes of crime is more effective than simply increasing law enforcement capacity. This approach aligns with a growing national conversation around restorative justice and community policing, but it also raises questions about the feasibility of implementing such programs on a large scale in a city still grappling with economic challenges.

The debate also hinted at underlying tensions regarding equitable development. While neither candidate explicitly defined their vision for equitable development, Savage's repeated emphasis on prioritizing the needs of all Detroiters suggested a commitment to ensuring that new economic opportunities are accessible to residents of all backgrounds and neighborhoods. Sheffield, while acknowledging the importance of equity, largely framed her proposals within the existing framework of economic growth, potentially signaling a more cautious approach to redistributive policies.

Beyond the core issues of finance, safety, and equity, the debate underscored a broader ideological divide. Sheffield represents the establishment wing of Detroit politics, emphasizing experience, stability, and incremental progress. Savage, on the other hand, embodies a growing wave of progressive activism, demanding fundamental change and a more equitable distribution of resources.

The November 7th election promises to be a pivotal moment for Detroit. Voters will be tasked with choosing between a continuation of the current trajectory, or a bold new direction. The stakes are high, and the outcome will undoubtedly shape the city's future for years to come. Analysts predict a close race, with both candidates actively courting key demographics and seeking to mobilize their respective bases of support. The coming months will likely see an intensification of the campaign, with both Sheffield and Savage vying to convince Detroiters that they have the vision and leadership necessary to address the city's complex challenges.