Reverend Solomon Kinloch, Jr.

2025 City of Detroit Mayoral Candidate

Born and raised in Detroit, Solomon Kinloch knows what it means to grow up in a city where opportunity feels out of reach. His journey—from childhood poverty to becoming one of Detroit’s most influential faith and community leaders—has always been about one thing: serving people and solving problems. Solomon is running for Mayor of Detroit to extend the work he has led for the last 27 years as Senior Pastor of Triumph Church, building one of the fastest-growing churches in the country with multiple campuses and more than 40,000 members.

Pastor Kinloch’s vision and impact extend far beyond the pulpit. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched one of Detroit’s largest community-led responses: organizing free grocery deliveries for thousands of families, distributing tablets to help thousands of schoolchildren stay connected to their studies, and offering emotional and spiritual support to countless more. For nearly three decades, Pastor Kinloch has brought together businesses, nonprofits, and neighborhoods to tackle homelessness, fight hunger, and expand access to jobs, childcare, senior services, mental health and wellness, and education.

Prior to becoming pastor of Triumph, Solomon worked at the Chevy Gear and Axle plant, joining his father as a proud member of UAW Local 235. Forged by a deep respect for working class families, Solomon stepped up again when the Local 900 autoworkers went on strike—providing hot meals, groceries, and solidarity for those fighting for a seat at the table.

In recognition of his work in the community, Pastor Kinloch was named a Michiganian of the Year by The Detroit News and a member of the Michigan Chronicle’s Power 50 list of influential African Americans in Southeast Michigan. Solomon was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. College of Ministers and Laity at the MLK Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a graduate of Northwestern High School and is married to his best friend, and partner for life, Robin. Together, they have one son, Kadin Elijah.

Now, Solomon Kinloch is running for Mayor of Detroit—not to start a new chapter of service, but to expand on decades of direct action. He’s building a people-powered movement focused on lifting every block by investing in neighborhoods, not just Downtown. Pastor Kinloch is bringing Detroit together to create good jobs, strong schools, and thriving neighborhoods with affordable housing, safe streets, and a future with real opportunity for our children and grandchildren.

Detroit needs more than an institutional politician — we need a mayor who understands our pain and reflects our promise. We need a mayor with the heart and the hustle to deliver for all Detroiters. That’s the leadership Solomon Kinloch brings. And that’s why he’s in this race: to attack poverty, bring neighborhoods back, and ensure no one is left out of Detroit’s comeback.