Courtesy Photo-Saunteel Jenkins launches exploratory committee for Detroit Mayor
Detroit, MI - Saunteel Jenkins announced today that she raised nearly $120,000 in the two months since launching her exploratory committee for Mayor. Jenkins will report raising $119,910 for the quarter, easily outpacing the $77,210 that Mary Sheffield raised during her first quarter in the race, It is the highest quarterly total posted by any candidate thus far. Even more impressive, Jenkins’ fundraising success came during a period when many donors are squarely focused on the 2024 general election.
“I’m honored by the outpouring of support I’ve received from every corner of our community,” said Jenkins. “From THAW to City Hall to my work as a social worker and small businesswoman, I’ve spent my life working to create opportunities for Detroiters. I’m excited that so many people believe in me and my vision for a stronger and more prosperous Detroit for everyone.”
About Saunteel
Jenkins was born and raised in Detroit, the oldest daughter of a mailman and sales associate at Macys. She attended Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Cass Technical High School in 1988. Her early challenges fueled Saunteel’s commitment to social work - leading her to receive her bachelor and master’s degrees in social work from Wayne State University.
Following a successful tenure in city hall with Council President Maryann Mahaffey, Jenkins went to work for a company providing free tutoring to children in underperforming schools. Saunteel would go on to start her own small business and was later named Director of the Residential Treatment Program at Mariners Inn, a Detroit homeless shelter for men fighting addiction.
In 2009, Jenkins ran and won a seat on the Detroit City Council and three years later became the first person in nearly 100 years to be elected City Council President by her peers. She served during one of the darkest economic chapters in Detroit's history - helping the city navigate through its bankruptcy and putting it on its ultimate path to recovery.
Jenkins has served as the CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) for the past decade, where she’s helped tens of thousands of Detroit families pay their heat, electric and water bills during tough financial times. A cancer survivor whose brother was the tragic victim of gun violence, Jenkins has been recognized for her perseverance, leadership, and willingness to take on any challenge - no matter how large.
Saunteel launched an exploratory committee for Detroit Mayor on August 27th.
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