James Craig's future is suddenly in doubt after his latest effort to get on the August primary ballot failed last week.

Why it matters: Craig's prospects are plentiful thanks to a unique career in law enforcement, leadership and even entertainment.

Yes, but: He hasn't given up on his gubernatorial campaign yet. A spokesperson tells Axios it is "a little premature to discuss the next steps as we are still sorting through what's currently in front of us."

The intrigue: Despite a calamitous run for governor, Craig remains a fascinating candidate as a Black Republican with an extensive law enforcement background and strong local name recognition.

• Axios talked to political insiders about Craig's potential options:

Lower office: Jonathan Kinloch, chair of the 13th Congressional District Democratic Party, says Craig was in line to be Detroit's next mayor before running as a Republican for governor. Many in the city previously thought he was a Democrat.

• "I don't see any pathways for him to garner an elected position in Detroit or Wayne County," says Kinloch, who is also a Wayne County commissioner.
• "Even if Mayor [Mike] Duggan eventually steps aside, Craig's once-possible political career in Detroit is over, but he could likely win a Republican legislative seat should he decide to move," says John Sellek, CEO of Lansing-based PR firm Harbor Strategic.

Media personality: "He's got a pension. He can do whatever he wants," says political strategist Andrea Bitely. "I'm betting Craig writes a book about his journey in law enforcement and moves to Florida. A book, even if it's bad, will keep him on Fox News."

Consultant: While working in Los Angeles, Craig was mentored by William Bratton, the former LAPD chief who parlayed his law enforcement experience into a career as a private consultant.

• Consultancy could be a natural home for Craig — his public safety resume isn't spotless and his run for governor could complicate any immediate interest in being a big city police chief again.

Acting coach: If politics or policing don't work out, Craig could get back into entertainment. His nickname is "Hollywood Craig" for a reason.

• Actor Denzel Washington credited a 1990s ridealong with Craig for preparing him for police roles in "Ricochet" and "The Little Things."
• "When he is playing the LAPD cop, there are things he says he got directly from me," Craig told Fox 2 Detroit last year. "It's almost like he was playing me."

Gas prices have officially passed $5.

• Michigan's average price per gallon was $5.06 as of yesterday, according to AAA — 19 cents higher than the national average. Prices jumped again this morning to an average of $5.17 a gallon statewide.

By the numbers: Average gas prices shot up 74 cents per gallon in the month ending June 6 and are $1.74 higher than this time last year.

• Drivers are paying more in Wayne County than anywhere else in Michigan at $5.17, followed by Washtenaw and Oakland counties at $5.10 and $5.14, respectively.

Meanwhile, state lawmakers have been working since March on a deal to bring relief at the pump.

• Senate Republicans recently approved a bill with Democratic support to suspend the state's 6% sales tax and the 27-cents-per-gallon tax on gas until September.

Zoom in: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to tie the proposed suspension to one of her proposals to dole out $500 rebate checks for working families, the Detroit News reports.

• During interviews at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Whitmer told reporters she's aiming for the end of the month to reach a deal with the Republican-led legislature.
• Senate Democrats effectively killed a Republican proposal to cut the state's 27-cents-per-gallon gas tax in April after the bill passed both chambers.
• Whitmer opposed that proposal over concerns that it could delay ongoing construction projects.

Bottom line: Whitmer has said she supports suspending the state’s 6% sales tax on gas as long as the proposal doesn't jeopardize road repairs, construction jobs, or funding for local schools.

😷 So far at least 15 people who attended last week's Mackinac Policy Conference have tested positive for COVID-19, including U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. (Detroit Metro Times)

💸 CEO pay is rising dramatically despite a federal rule forcing companies to disclose the pay gap in comparison with an average employee. (Crain's Detroit Business)

☕ Workers at 11 Starbucks in Michigan are set to vote on whether to unionize. (Detroit News)

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👋 Hello, Joe here. I was in the mood for something spicy yesterday, so I dove into a ghost pepper pizza for the first time.

Amar Pizza in Hamtramck is known for its ghost pizza (small, $16). Topped with chicken, red onions, cilantro and ghost sauce, it comes with a disclaimer — "Extreme heat. Eat at own risk."

The first thing I noticed was the colorful combination of toppings — the chicken has an orange tint that pops against the green cilantro and purple-colored onions.

• While I couldn't see the ghost sauce, the sweat gathering on my brow mid-second slice told me it was there.

The bottom line: The heat was persistent but not overwhelming. Cilantro fans will love how it compliments the other flavors. I'd definitely order this again.

The 39-year-old Miguel Cabrera shouldn't be the rebuilding Tigers' best player.

Yes, but: With a .301 batting average and 11 more hits than anyone else on the team, Cabrera still leads Detroit in offensive production.

• In his 14th season in Detroit, Cabrera is hitting above .300 on a lineup that features six players batting below .200.

Big picture: Tigers fans entered the season with high hopes but have been treated to a disappointing 21-33 start — the fifth worst record in baseball.