The Detroit Regional Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) has announced its endorsement of former state legislator and current Detroit City Council member Fred Durhal for the next Mayor of Detroit.
Current Mayor Mike Duggan has led a historic transformation of one of America’s great cities, and his shoes will be hard to fill. While several of the candidates vying for the Mayor’s office provide compelling cases, Durhal has proved to be the most consistent supporter of a pro-growth and pro-economic development agenda and offers the most reasoned and specific policy proposals for building upon Detroit’s decade of economic progress.
In a joint statement, Detroit Regional Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah and Chamber PAC Chairman, David Foltyn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Honigman, share, “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 the necessary two-thirds majority of the quorum required by Chamber PAC bylaws, an endorsement of Councilman Fred Durhal in the mayoral primary election. Durhal has demonstrated a strong economic development focus and detailed understanding of both city and state policy.”
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. 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.
“Detroit is fortunate to have a committed slate of public servants ready and willing to lead Detroit at this moment of inflection,” said Brian J. Shoaf, Vice President of Public Policy and Business Advocacy for the Chamber. “After thoughtful debate and discussion, the Detroit Regional Chamber PAC found Councilman Fred Durhal’s plans best aligned with its goals to drive business growth and keep Detroit moving forward.”
The Chamber hosted Durhal among five mayoral candidates for a debate at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference in May and invited all five for in-person interviews last week for the PAC endorsement. The Chamber thanks all candidates who accepted invitations to participate in that debate and who accepted the opportunity to appear before the Chamber’s Political Action Committee. All the candidates for mayor who have appeared before the Chamber PAC are honorable, public-minded leaders, and the Chamber applauds them all for their continued interest in serving Detroiters.