Former police chief James Craig announces runs for Detroit mayor

DETROIT (FOX 2) - James Craig announced his run for Detroit mayor,  from the barber shop Executive Cuts Wednesday morning, vowing to restore the public's trust in city government with a focus on schools, neighborhoods and small businesses.

He opened his press conference with a quip that "Hollywood Craig is back" using a nickname some gave him when he was police chief.

"Even though I did say I'm Hollywood, great. But it's not about the headlines, but your daily reality," he said. "Whether it's safer streets, better services, or affordable housing. I will always put you first."

Craig, 66, served as Detroit police chief for eight years, appointed by Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr amid the city's bankruptcy.

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"Transparency. Accountability. Actions. These are just not promises. They are the foundation for this campaign," he said. "As your former chief, I made a commitment to protect and uplift this city. Now, I want to continue that commitment as your mayor. Together, we will rise together."

Craig has made two previous forays into politics, the first attempt for governor was derailed by signature fraud in 2022 resulting in a criminal case against a group hired to gather them. That case is still tied up in the courts but it cost multiple candidates including Craig, their candidacy.

In 2023, he briefly announced a run for US Senate but ended the attempt after five months.

Craig told the media that he isn't a politician but a public servant, and said what he learned in the gubernatorial run.

"When I got into the gubernatorial race, except for the fraud that came into the campaign and, certainly that was a not a good moment," he said. "But, you know, you hire professional to do a job. And part of that job was, they didn't screen out who they had getting signatures. And it hurt not only me, but it hurt other candidates.

"I am proud of the fact that throughout that campaign, while I was still running, I was a leading GOP candidate, I consistently led by double digits."

He said his senate run was truncated due to health, saying he was recovering from hip surgery and should not have got in the race.

"I will tell you, I believe that running for governor and then that short, short stint, pursuing the Senate seat, really prepared me for what we're doing today," Craig said.

Craig also served Detroit as deputy mayor during the last year of his time as police chief and credited Duggan for helping rebuild the city coming out of bankruptcy.

He said his focus will be to build out from downtown Detroit.

"We have got to focus more and enhance what's going on in the neighborhoods," he said. 

The Trump connection

Craig, a registered Republican, was asked if his connection to President Donald Trump, would help or hurt him with Detroit voters.

He said that in conversations with residents, they have told him that the letter after his name isn't as important as his deeds and actions.

"I have a relationship, it's important that any mayor in America has a direct link to the White House. I tell you, I will have that connection and I will use that connection," he said. "I'm authentic. I've lived by being authentic for my entire public career. Everybody knows I'm a Republican. 

"I am first a Detroiter. I was born and raised in this city. This matters to me. And yes, when I'm mayor, I will reach out and touch Washington for much-needed financial help."

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He joins a large group of potential candidates including City Council President Mary Sheffield, councilman Fred Durhal III, CEO of THAW Saunteel Jenkins, Solomon Kinloch – Senior pastor, Triumph Church, businessmen Joel Haashiim and Jonathan Barlow, attorney Todd Perkins and Rogelio Landin, an activist.

Current Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running for governor of Michigan and leaving the seat open after the end of his third term.

Craig's last foray into politics ended just as it was beginning when he ran for governor in 2023 but was one of four candidates defrauded with fake signatures by people hired to gather and submit them. At the time, he was considered the front-runner for the nomination. 

The alleged signature fraud scheme suspects are still tied up in the courts.