Supported passage of non-discrimination ordinance to prohibit LGBTQ discrimination

Supports funding group violence programming to curb gun violence in the city

Derek Dobies spearheaded the passage of group violence intervention programming - and violent crimes declined 27.5% by the end of his tenure.
Dena Morgan and John Wilson publicly opposed the creation of the group violence intervention programming in August of 2021.
When asked at the Juneteenth Mayoral Panel to name a specific city service or program that is currently funded that you would reduce or restructure both Shalanda Hunt and Dena Morgan named group violence intervention programming.

Stood against Trump’s attacks on title funding at Jackson Public Schools over equity policies

Derek Dobies authored Jackson Public Schools' Equity Policy. When the Trump administration threatened to withhold federal funding from school districts that maintained equity initiatives, Dobies cast the lone "No" vote against repealing the policy - fighting back against draconian and unconstitutional actions by Trump. He argued there was no need to abandon Jackson's values while the directive was being challenged in court by teachers' unions and other organizations. Shalanda Hunt voted to repeal the policy to comply Trump's directive. The directive was ultimately blocked in federal court. The Trump administration has abandoned this course of action, but the JPS policy remains repealed.

Endorsed by local unions, and the area labor federation and building trades council

Derek Dobies is endorsed by the Huron Valley Area Labor Federation - the local labor council representing working people throughout Jackson County and the City of Jackson - as well as the Southeast Michigan Building Trades Council, which represents union construction workers across the Jackson and Washtenaw regions.
Derek Dobies has also earned the endorsement of the Michigan Laborers District Council, LIUNA Local 499, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, IBEW Local 252, UA Local 333, UNITE HERE Local 24, Iron Workers Local 25, the Michigan Machinists Council, and the United Steelworkers.
No other candidate running for mayor has been endorsed by a local or statewide labor union.

Endorsed by the Jackson County Democratic Committee

Derek Dobies is the only candidate for mayor that has been endorsed by the Jackson County Democratic Party in the 2026 election. The endorsement was made at a general membership meeting on January 27, 2026.