Former police chief James Craig enters mayor's race
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James Craig, a former Detroit police chief, announces his campaign for mayor to reporters at Executive Cuts & More. Photo: Annalise Frank/Axios
Former police chief James Craig says Detroit should elect him mayor based on his ties to the city and history as a public servant, not his political party.
Why it matters: Craig is the only stated Republican so far in the nonpartisan race to lead a heavily Democratic city.
Context: In last fall's red sweep, President Trump garnered more Detroit votes than any Republican candidate since 2000, though it was still under 10%.
- Plus, Mayor Mike Duggan is leaving the Democratic party to run for governor as an independent in 2026.
Driving the news: Craig, who ran for governor in 2022, announced his campaign for mayor Wednesday at Executive Cuts & More, a barbershop near the riverfront.
- He said the venue reflects his commitment to Detroit's "economic engine," its small businesses.
What they're saying: "I stand before you not as a candidate, but as a son of Detroit, someone who has walked these streets, faced the same challenges and believes deeply in the strength of our community," Craig said.
State of play: Craig endorsed Trump for 2024, and Trump praised him over his handling of 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.
- They have a relationship, Craig said, and he'd connect with the White House as mayor to get Detroit federal funding — as Duggan did with former President Biden.
Between the lines: Craig wants to create a transparent government that invests in its schools, improves public safety and builds affordable housing, focusing on residents' daily realities, he said.
- The former chief wants to assist small neighborhood businesses with red tape that prevents them from succeeding here, as well as attracting new businesses to the city, he added.
Asked if he thinks his politics could hinder his chances, he said: "I talk to Detroiters every single day, and what they say is, 'Chief, I could care less about that R behind your name. What I care about is who you are and what you represent.'"
Flashback: Craig, a native Detroiter, started his police career in the city in 1977. He then spent nearly 30 years with the LAPD and was later chief of police in Portland, Maine, and in Cincinnati. He served as Detroit police chief from 2013-2021.
- His 2022 campaign for governor was derailed by alleged fraudulently collected signatures on campaign paperwork, and he dropped a bid for U.S. Senate last year.
Friction point: Craig was praised for the lack of arson and destruction in Detroit's Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, but he was criticized for aggressive moves by officers and saying protests came from a Marxist agenda.
- When asked Wednesday about how he handled the protests, he said, "Detroit's the only city that did not burn. And I'm unapologetic about that."