The 2005 Detroit mayoral election took place on November 8, 2005, following a primary election on August 2, 2005. Incumbent Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who was first elected in 2001, ran for re-election to a second term. He was challenged by a large field of candidates, including former Deputy Mayor Freman Hendrix, City Councilwoman Sharon McPhail, and State Senator Hansen Clarke. As Kilpatrick ran for a second term, he faced opposition over the city's budget deficits and poor economy, as well as allegations that he used city resources to enrich himself and his family.[1] Kilpatrick placed second in the primary election, winning 34 percent of the vote to Hendrix's 44 percent. In the general election, Kilpatrick narrowly defeated Hendrix, 53–47 percent, to win a second term. However, in 2008, Kilpatrick was indicted for obstruction of justice, and resigned later that year, triggering a special election in 2009.
In the general election, Hendrix attacked Kilpatrick over his alleged mismanagement of the city and his own personal scandals, and polling consistently showed him ahead.[1] However, toward the end of October, polls showed the race tightening.[6] Following the death of civil rights activist Rosa Parks on October 24, 2005, Kilpatrick gave a eulogy at her funeral, which attracted significant media attention and "gave him free exposure" in the final days of the race.[1]
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