Breaking News

More () »

Michigan Politics

Craig gives 1st political speech, preps gubernatorial run

Craig, who retired last month, said Tuesday he has been a Republican for many years and voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020.

Credit: AP

Retired Detroit Police Chief James Craig speaks at the Jackson County Republican Committee "Under the Oaks" birthday celebration on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 in Jackson, Mich. The event celebrated the 167th anniversary of the founding of the Republican Party at the corner of Second and Franklin streets in Jackson. This was the first political speech for Craig since his June 1 retirement after eight years as Detroit's police chief. (J. Scott Park/Jackson Citizen Patriot via AP)

JACKSON, Mich. — Ex-Detroit police chief James Craig is seeking to burnish his Republican credentials before a likely run for governor, telling party stalwarts about his evolution from being a "born" Democrat.

Craig, who retired last month, said Tuesday he has been a Republican for many years and voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020. He says he is anti-abortion and supports gun rights along with the police, the military and the principle of self-reliance rather than a "victimhood mentality" being pushed by Democratic leaders.

He stopped short of declaring his candidacy to seek the GOP nomination against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Related video:

More Videos

Next up in 5

Example video title will go here for this video

Next up in 5

Example video title will go here for this video

►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.

Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.