MSU student looks to challenge Duggan for Detroit mayor’s seat

Michigan State University senior and Detroit native has filed campaign paperwork to run for mayor of Detroit, seeking to unseat current Mayor Mike Duggan, who is nearing the end of his first term.

Myya D. Jones announced her plans to media to run for the mayor's office this week, following a formal filing of Wayne County campaign finance reports in December. Born and raised in the city, Jones says she wants to be a voice for millennials and women of color.

“I believe it’s time for millennials to have a seat at the table when it comes to our political system,” Jones says in a news release. “It’s our constitutional right and its time for us to start exercising it.”

According to her campaign site and LinkedIn page, Jones is currently a student at Michigan State University, majoring in finance and minoring in Arabic & African American and African Studies. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority and has served as a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation intern for Rep. Brenda Lawrence.

During the election season, Jones plans to discuss platforms like rebuilding neighborhoods and creating more opportunities for the city’s native residents.

“There’s more to Detroit than Downtown and Midtown. As we continue to develop our downtown area, we need to also rebuild our neighborhoods and create more opportunities for the Detroit natives,” Jones says. “Millennials have begun to start businesses and nonprofits to progress our city, now it’s time for us to step up for public offices.”

Jones is the third person to formally file to run for the city office. Last year, Devonna Harvey filed, then withdrew from the race, according to county records. A third candidate, Jeffery Robinson, filed campaign paperwork on December 22.

Duggan has not announced re-election plans. The deadline for all candidates to submit a petition to run is April 25.