Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig has officially entered the race for mayor in 2025.
Craig filed paperwork to form a campaign committee on March 3, allowing him to start fundraising for the August primary. His campaign manager Amber Harris said Craig had no comment when reached by phone on Thursday, but the former chief plans to hold a press conference on March 12.
The mayor’s race is Craig’s third swing at political office since retiring from the Detroit Police Department in 2021. Both of his previous campaigns ended before voters could cast a ballot for him.
Craig ran for governor in 2022 but failed to make the Republican primary ballot after presenting falsified petition signatures. He then ran for U.S. Senate in 2024 but dropped out before the primary.
The former chief led DPD during racial justice protests in 2020, which attracted national attention and landed him a frequent guest spot on Fox News programs. His candidacy gives Detroit voters the first conservative choice in the non-partisan race for mayor.
Craig’s leadership was praised by Republicans but condemned by local activists. The city paid $1 million to resolve federal lawsuits alleging police used excessive force against demonstrators and violated their rights.
Craig indicated he may run for mayor back in February 2024 and has since been anticipated to enter what has become a nine-way race.
Other candidates who are running for mayor include:
- Businessman Jonathan Barlow
- City Council Member Fred Durhal III
- Businessman Joel Haashiim
- Former nonprofit leader Saunteel Jenkins
- Triumph Church Leader Solomon Kinloch
- Activist Rogelio Landin
- Attorney Todd Perkins
- City Council President Mary Sheffield
Craig was included on a recent poll commissioned by the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus that placed him behind Sheffield, though a slightly larger percentage of respondents said they were undecided.
Why no contact information for Craig and his campaign? Never even a number or place to donate or attend his appearances. Only Sheffield appears on fliers. Her office stinks, never answers the phone and neither does her staff. They can’t answer simple questions. But she is promoted by the press and Craig is not.