Photo: Curtis Paul ~ WJR
MEET THE CANDIDATE:
Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., a lifelong Detroiter born in 1973 and raised on the city’s West Side, began preaching at the age of 14.
In 1998, he became the senior pastor of Triumph Church, which at the time had fewer than 50 members. Under his leadership, the church has grown into a multi-campus megachurch with over 40,000 congregants across Metro Detroit. Known for his dynamic leadership and deep community ties, Kinloch has built a reputation as a unifier and visionary.
His entry into the 2025 Detroit mayoral race marks a significant shift from spiritual leadership to civic engagement, backed by major endorsements such as the United Auto Workers.
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WHAT SOLOMON KINLOCH STANDS FOR:
Solomon Kinloch is running for mayor with a bold, community-centered vision focused on housing, opportunity, and equity across Detroit.
Affordable Housing and Homeownership: Kinloch plans to build 10,000 units of affordable housing and expand down payment assistance to help more Detroiters become homeowners, making housing a foundation of his economic strategy
Food Access and Health Equity: To combat food deserts, he proposes opening 10 new grocery stores in underserved neighborhoods, ensuring residents have access to fresh, affordable food.
Workforce Development: Kinloch aims to establish a citywide workforce training center offering jobs that pay $35 an hour or more, connecting Detroiters to high-wage careers and long-term economic mobility.
Mental Health and Public Services: Kinloch supports expanding access to mental health services across the city, recognizing their role in public safety and community well-being.
Youth Mentorship: He plans to launch a citywide youth mentorship initiative in partnership with schools and community groups, providing guidance and opportunity for Detroit’s next generation.
Transit and Connectivity: Improving public transportation is a key part of his platform, aimed at better connecting residents to jobs, education, and essential services
Collaborative Leadership: Though new to government, Kinloch emphasizes his ability to unite corporate, nonprofit, and grassroots leaders to tackle Detroit’s toughest challenges together.
760 WJR TOP DETROIT MAYORAL RACE STORIES:
