“I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Derek and see the way he leads — thoughtful, prepared, and always focused on what’s best for the people of Jackson. He understands how deeply connected strong schools and strong neighborhoods are to the future of our city. Derek brings people together, listens, and leads with purpose. I’m proud to support him for mayor because I know he will continue to put our community first.”

Pam Fitzgerald

Former President, JPS Board of Education

March 2026 

“Derek has never shied away from the tough fights. Whether it was leading the city through crisis, standing up for our residents, or pushing forward progress when it wasn’t easy, he’s proven he’s willing to do the hard work this job demands. Jackson has made real progress over the last several years — and we can’t afford to lose that momentum. Derek Dobies is the kind of leader who will keep moving this city forward, and that’s why I support him for mayor.”

Daniel Mahoney

Mayor, City of Jackson

March 2026 

JOIN OUR GROWING LIST OF ENDORSEMENTS

Elected Officials

  • Daniel Mahoney - Mayor, City of Jackson

  • Jason Smith - Mayor, City of Jackson (fmr.)

  • John Willis - County Commissioner, Jackson County

  • Darius Williams - County Commissioner, Jackson County

  • Mark Schauer, Congressman (fmr.)

  • Arlene Robinson - Council Member, City of Jackson

  • Freddie Dancy - Vice Mayor, City of Jackson

  • Angelita Gunn - Council Member, City of Jackson

  • Conner Wood - Council Member, City of Jackson

  • Karen Bunnell - Council Member, City of Jackson (fmr.)

  • Colleen Sullivan - Council Member, City of Jackson (fmr.)

  • Kelsey Heck Wood - Council Member, City of Jackson (fmr.)

  • Michelle Woods - Council Member, City of Jackson (fmr.)

  • Carrie Rheingans - State Representative

  • Jennifer Conlin - State Representative

  • Subba Reddy - Treasurer, JPS Board of Education

  • Tabitha Williams - Trustee, JPS Board of Education

  • Angela Mitchell - President, JPS Board of Education (fmr.)

  • Pam Fitzgerald - President, JPS Board of Education (fmr.)

  • Sheila Patterson - President, JPS Board of Education (fmr.)

  • Libby Brown - Trustee, JPS Board of Education (fmr.)

  • Jan Maino - President, East Jackson Public Schools Board of Education

Community Leaders

  • Matt Heins - former Jackson Police Chief

  • Jeremy Patterson - Superintendent, JPS

  • Grant Bauman - Chair, Public Arts Commission

  • Lezlie Bowles - Member, Jackson Transportation Authority

  • George Brown - Member, MLK Corridor Improvement Authority

  • Thomas Burke - Executive Director, Save Our Youth

  • Kelly Crum - Executive Director of Climate & Curriculum, Jackson Public Schools

  • Katima Dickerson - Board Member, Jackson Pride

  • Teresa Garcia-Bloom - Member, City Civil Service Board

  • Kriss Giannetti - Asst. Superintendent, Jackson Public Schools

  • Karl Grieve - Member, Zoning Board of Appeals

  • Maurice Imhoff - Commissioner, City Historic District Commission

  • Andrew Johnson - Vice Chair, City Environmental Commission

  • James Johnson Jr. - Commissioner, City Planning Commission

  • Kelli Kazmier - Chair, City Environmental Commission

  • Charles Keeling - Trustee, City ERS Board

  • George Lyons - Attorney, Jackson County

  • Cathy Moore - Trustee, Ella Sharp Park Board of Trustees

  • Anthony Parker - Member, MLK Corridor Improvement Authority

  • Cheryl Ragland - Chair, Human Relations Commission

  • Carl Struble - Board Member, Jackson Pride

  • Ken Toll - Executive Director (fmr.), Jackson County United Way

  • Robert VanSumeren - Commissioner, Human Relations Commission

  • Diane Washington - Member, MLK Corridor Improvement Authority

  • Robert Wilkie - Member, Downtown Development Authority

  • Thaddeus Williams - Vice Chair, City Historic District Commission

  • Amador Ybarra - Member, City Affordable Housing Development Board

  • Danielle Mackey

Religious

  • James Hines - Pastor, Lily Missionary Baptist Church

  • Shaunta Patton - Pastor, United Peoples Community Church

Organizations

  • Huron Valley Area Labor Federation

  • Southeast Michigan Building Trades Council

  • Michigan Laborers District Council

  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 252