Wayne County Sheriff Benny N. Napoleon, fresh off a re-election victory, said he’ll make an announcement in about two weeks concerning the upcoming Detroit mayoral race in 2013.
Napoleon, in a phone interview with Deadline Detroit, declined to say specifically what he’ll say in two weeks, but it’s expected he’ll announce plans to launch an exploratory committee to run for mayor. He has privately told people that he wants to be Detroit’s next mayor.
Napoleon said he’s gotten calls from people in the community.
“They’re urging me to consider it,” Napoleon told Deadline Detroit. “I’ve gotten calls from significant groups in the community including religious, labor, business and community groups and citizens on the street.”
Mayor Dave Bing has yet to announce his intentions about 2013, and has given mixed signals. Some observers are skeptical that he’ll make a bid for re-election.
Mike Duggan has launched an exploratory committee, and at this point, has given every indication that he will run. But to date, only State Rep. Lisa Howze has officially announced her candidacy for mayor.
Napoleon holds a law degree from Detroit College of Law.
He was admitted to the Detroit Police Academy in June of 1975.
The Cass Tech High grad rose through the ranks and eventually became assistant chief in 1995. Mayor Dennis Archer appointed him chief in 1998 and he retired from the Department in 2001.
In 2009, Napoleon was appointed sheriff by a three-member panel of elected Wayne County officials after Warren Evans became the Detroit Police chief. Earlier this month, Napoleon, a Democrat, trounced his Republican opponent Shelly Milton, a sheriff’s deputy, capturing 75 percent of the vote.
In 2002, he lost to Robert Ficano in a bid for Wayne County Executive.
