(WSYM) — Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig announced Wednesday morning he has formed an exploratory committee as the first step in a run for Michigan governor.
Craig, 65, will run as a Republican against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer next year and is the biggest name to enter the Republican field.
In a video posted to the website, Craig talks about the Black Lives Matter protests last year, and other civil unrests in American history.
Near the end of the video, Craig touches on a variety of other topics.
“I know how important it is to fix education. I know what’s going on with small businesses. Let’s solve the employment concern today,” he said.
Craig retired on June 1 on then gave his first political speech in front of the Jackson County Republicans earlier this month.
During that speech, he said he voted for Donald Trump both times, and is against abortion, supports gun rights, the military and more.
“You are born a Democrat. But over time as you have your own life experiences, and the opportunity to form your own worldview, you come to your own conclusions,” he said during the speech.
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes released this statement after the announcement:
“James Craig is just another politician that thinks he can get through this messy and crowded GOP field of far-right extremists without any accountability on his stances — clinging to this non-existent ‘exploratory’ status is just the latest of his question-dodging tactics. He should immediately explain to voters why he’s for guns in schools and has looked the other way on violent militia uprisings in Washington and Lansing.
“Meanwhile, Governor Whitmer continues to exhibit decisive, steady leadership that has saved lives and put Michigan on the path to recovery as our state yields the dividends of a budget surplus and the fastest growing economy in the Midwest. In addition to her strong pandemic response, Whitmer’s made the largest investment in K-12 education in state history – without raising taxes – and created 11,000 new auto jobs in her first year in office. With these successes in mind, Michiganders will have no trouble identifying the vast differences between a governor that has and will continue to put Michigan first and whoever Republicans push through this expensive and divisive primary.”