Solomon Kinloch Jr.
Solomon W. Kinloch Jr. is an American pastor and political candidate. He is the senior pastor of Triumph Church, a non-denominational megachurch based in Detroit. He was a candidate in the 2025 [Detroit mayoral election].
Early life and education
Kinloch was born in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Northwestern [High School (Michigan)|Northwestern High School] in 1991 and later pursued theological studies at American Baptist College.Ministry at Triumph Church
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.In 2018, Kinloch was named one of the "Michiganians of the Year" by The Detroit News for his leadership and service to the community.
Political career
In February 2025, Kinloch entered electoral politics, announcing a bid for mayor of Detroit in the 2025 election. His campaign kickoff, held at the Fox Theatre on February 19, was reportedly attended by thousands.His campaign platform included plans to build 10,000 affordable housing units, establish ten new grocery stores to address food deserts, and create a training center for in-demand jobs paying $35 per hour. Kinloch has stated that he intended to continue his pastoral duties if elected mayor.
In May 2025, Kinloch received a significant endorsement from the United Auto Workers (UAW). Kinloch placed second in the August primary election, and advanced to the general election in November, which he lost to Mary Sheffield.
Other affiliations and recognition
Kinloch currently serves on the boards of directors of the Skillman Foundation and the Black Male Educators Alliance of Michigan.Personal life
Kinloch is married to Robin Kemp Kinloch, and they have one son, Kadin Kinloch. He owns a house in the Detroit exurb of Oakland [Charter Township, Michigan|Oakland Township], and rents an apartment in downtown Detroit, having registered the latter as his address in his mayoral campaign filings.His brother, Jonathan C. Kinloch, serves as a Wayne County Commissioner, and as chair of the 13th Congressional District Democratic Party, which endorsed Solomon Kinloch.
In 1993, Kinloch pleaded guilty to assaulting his first wife after she accused him of threatening her with a butcher knife, beating her in the head with its handle, and then throwing it at her. Kinloch's then-wife called police to their Southfield apartment after she said he tried to stop her from leaving during an argument. According to Oakland County Circuit Court records, Kinloch threw a glass at his then-wife, striking her foot and pointed a butcher knife at her. His then-wife told police that when she tried to block the knife with her hand, her finger was cut. Prosecutors said that Kinloch then hit his then-wife twice with the knife before throwing it at her, striking her in the back of the head with its handle.