Thousands of people showed up at the Fox Theatre downtown Wednesday night to support the Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr.

With big plans to fight poverty, increase access to affordable housing and eliminate food deserts, Solomon Kinloch Jr., leader of the more than 35,000-member Triumph Church in Detroit, Michigan, launched his bid to become the city's mayor Wednesday.

Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. of Detroit-based Triumph Church launched his campaign for mayor Wednesday night with a packed, high-energy event at the Fox Theatre. Why it matters: The well-known faith leader is the highest-profile candidate to enter the race without coming from a background in city government.

DETROIT – Reverand Solomon Kinloch, Jr. announced his campaign for Detroit mayor. Kinloch, who currently heads Triumph Church, which has several locations across Metro Detroit, announced on Wednesday (Feb. 19) night.

The pastor of a large chain of Southeast Michigan churches is set to be the latest entrant into the race to be Detroit's next mayor.

Kinloch, 51, pastor of Detroit's Triumph Church, filed his "Solomon Kinloch for Mayor" candidate committee paperwork on Tuesday and drove in thousands of attendees to his elaborate announcement — many from his church — filling up the main floor and mezzanine of the Fox Theatre with supporters of his candidacy.