Dear Detroit,

My name is Todd Perkins, and I am a proud son of Detroit.

I grew up in the North End with my five brothers, raised by parents who instilled in us the values of hard work, education, faith, and integrity. My grandparents, like so many others, came north during the Great Migration, escaping the Jim Crow South to build a better life in our city. The home I live in today was purchased by my great-grandfather nearly a century ago. Just as I have preserved my family’s home and heritage, I believe in preserving the legacy of Detroiters who built this city with their hands, hearts, and dreams.

I am writing to you at a critical moment for our beloved city.

Across the nation, changes in leadership have left many feeling anxious about what lies ahead. Here at home, the loss of the Democratic majority in Michigan’s legislature adds pressure on Detroit’s residents, many of whom are already working incredibly hard just to make ends meet.

For the first time in over a decade, our city will elect a new mayor—and our citizens will have the opportunity to directly shape the future of Detroit. These opportunities and challenges require bold, experienced, and compassionate leadership that puts people first.

That’s why I am running for Mayor: I believe that Detroit’s progress must include every neighborhood and resident. I truly believe when we all work together for the good of Detroit, the betterment of our neighbors, our children and our neighborhoods and each other’s economic success, it is in this moment Detroit and Detroiters will experience true prosperity!

As the founder and owner of one of Detroit’s largest Black law firms, I’ve dedicated my career, which spans three decades, to serving our city. I’ve represented clients from all walks of life: high-profile cases that are the lead story of the day, municipalities and multimillion dollar companies that service our communities and drive our economy, and individuals who couldn’t afford legal representation but deserved justice nonetheless.

Beyond my legal expertise, I formed a nonprofit organization, The People’s Voice, dedicated to giving back to Detroiters in the fight for reparations and own a sports management company, Kilimanjaro Sports Management. I am a proud graduate of University of Detroit High School and Academy, affectionately called “The High”, Dartmouth College, and the University of Detroit School of Law. It was my education and experiences at The High that instilled in me the Jesuit mantra and mission of being “A Man for Others.”

As Muhammad Ali’s famously stated, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” This is my guiding principle: Detroit has given me so much, and now it’s my turn to give back.

Like so many Detroiters, I’ve faced personal loss. The sudden passing of my first wife, Jetuan, in front of me and our children, was devastating. Through faith, prayer, and therapy, my family found healing. Years later, I was blessed to marry Michele, a remarkable woman who has brought love and strength to our home. She’s an accomplished professional and a dedicated mother to our children. My son, Todd Jr., is a college sophomore, and my daughter, Kennedy, is a high school junior. They remind me every day of why this fight for a better Detroit matters—because every child deserves a future filled with opportunity, safety, and hope.

Detroit, we can do better. We must do better.

While we celebrate progress in our city, such as the reduction in homicides and carjackings, we cannot ignore the deep challenges that remain. Our child poverty rate is one of the highest in the nation. Families are losing their homes at alarming rates. And, while the murder rate has declined, it remains one of the highest in the country: in 1966, Detroit had a similar number of homicides, but the city’s population was 250% of what it is today.

All of this is completely unacceptable.

These numbers tell a story of resilience and determination for our communities to survive, yes, but they also reveal a need for immediate and sustained action. We must invest in Detroit – and not just one-shot infusions of aid from our representatives in Lansing. Our young people deserve access to skills training so they can secure good paying jobs. Entrepreneurs must have access to capital to grow businesses that serve their communities. Affordable housing should not be a dream but attainable for every family. Public transportation must be reliable, efficient, and accessible to connect all corners of our city. And let’s not forget our right to clean air and water. These are not platitudes. They are the areas of our society that require real work.

This is a moment of decision for Detroit. Will we continue to accept the status quo, or will we demand a future where all Detroiters thrive? When our neighborhoods mirror the progress that drives our downtown, we will know then that progress has truly arrived and is upon us.

I am running for Mayor of Detroit because I believe in the power of this city and its people. I bring a wealth of legal knowledge, sound business experience, fiscal discipline, strong leadership, incorruptible integrity and compassion for people. I have a real and reliable record of success.

Most importantly: I am ready to represent ALL of Detroit on DAY ONE!

Together, we can build a Detroit where every neighborhood flourishes, where every child is safe and supported, and where every resident has a voice.

I cannot do this alone. I need your support, your ideas, and your partnership. Detroit, let’s rise to meet this moment.

Detroit, let’s do better—much better.

Thank you for believing in the possibilities of what we can achieve together.

Sincerely,

Todd Perkins

Perkins for the People