Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig this week announced that he intends to run for governor in Michigan.
The story: Craig said on Wednesday that he has formed an exploratory committee as part of his gubernatorial bid. The committee will look into the prospect of the former law enforcement officer running for Michigan governor in the 2022 election while allowing him to raise and spend funds for his campaign.
Craig will run as a Republican. His campaign said that he will likely start holding events and rallies sometime after Sep. 6.
What he said: Craig announced the news about the exploratory committee in a campaign-style video.
“I’m opening an exploratory committee to help me think about a run for governor for the state of Michigan,” Craig says in the video. “This is about leading from the front, keeping people safe, which is a core responsibility, solving problems, that’s what Michigan needs.”
“I led as chief of police—and began my life—on the streets of Detroit,” Craig continues. “Now, it is time to travel the state and visit other communities.”
He also took aim at Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) and promised that he will be “talking with law enforcement, hosting small business roundtables, and meeting with voters in their homes to hear about the negative impact the current governor’s policies are having on their communities, their workplaces and their families.”
Craig also spoke about the issues that the city has faced over the years and at one point said that Michigan has “had enough” of politicians who break their own rules.
How we got here: Craig, who worked in law enforcement for 44 years, retired this year on June 1 after serving as Chief of Detroit police. He held that position for eight years. There were speculations that he was considering a political career, which began shortly after his retirement.
Last week, Craig teased an “important announcement” during an appearance on Fox News.
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