Solomon Kinloch Jr.
Solomon W. Kinloch Jr. (born July 28, 1973) is an American pastor and political figure. He is the senior pastor of Triumph Church, a non-denominational megachurch based in Detroit, Michigan. In 2025, Kinloch announced his candidacy for mayor of Detroit.
Early life and education
[edit]Kinloch was born in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Northwestern High School in 1991 and later pursued theological studies at the American Baptist Theological Seminary.[1]
His brother, Jonathan C. Kinloch, serves as a Wayne County Commissioner and is Chair of the 13th Congressional District Democratic Party.[1]
Ministry at Triumph Church
[edit]In 1998, at the age of 24, Kinloch became the senior pastor of Triumph Church, which had a membership of approximately 44 at the time. Under his leadership, the church experienced significant growth, expanding to multiple campuses across the Detroit metropolitan area and reportedly reaching over 40,000 members.[1]
In 2018, Kinloch was named one of the Michiganians of the Year by The Detroit News for his leadership and service to the community.[2]
Political career
[edit]On February 19, 2025, Kinloch formally announced his candidacy for mayor of Detroit during a campaign kickoff event at the historic Fox Theatre, attended by approximately 5,000 people.[3]
His campaign platform includes plans to:
- Build 10,000 affordable housing units
- Establish ten new grocery stores to address food deserts
- Create a training center for in-demand jobs paying $35 per hour
Kinloch has stated that he intends to continue his pastoral duties if elected mayor.[4]
In May 2025, Kinloch received a significant endorsement from the United Auto Workers (UAW), the largest union in Michigan.[5]
Other affiliations and recognition
[edit]Kinloch currently serves on several civic and nonprofit boards, including:
- Skillman Foundation Board of Trustees[6]
- Black Male Educators Alliance of Michigan[7]
Personal life
[edit]Kinloch is married to Robin Kemp Kinloch, and they have one son, Kadin Kinloch.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Barrett, Malachi (February 19, 2025). "Pastor Solomon Kinloch announces 2025 bid for Detroit mayor". BridgeDetroit. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
- ^ "Solomon Kinloch Jr. - Michiganian of the Year 2018". The Detroit News. June 21, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
- ^ Thompson, Bankole (February 23, 2025). "Kinloch as mayoral candidate changes Detroit's political landscape". The Detroit News. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
- ^ Barrett, Malachi (February 26, 2025). "Why Solomon Kinloch is running for Detroit mayor in 2025". BridgeDetroit. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
- ^ Carr, Brandon (May 16, 2025). "Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. secures major endorsement from UAW in Detroit mayor's race". WDIV ClickOnDetroit. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
- ^ "Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr". Skillman Foundation. 20 November 2020. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
- ^ "Board of Directors". Black Male Educators Alliance. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
- ^ "Rev. Solomon Kinloch announces candidacy for mayor of Detroit". The Detroit News. Retrieved May 18, 2025.