Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig Running for Mayor

James Craig speaking at a Republican Party event in July 2021

James Craig, former chief of the Detroit Police Department, announced his candidacy for Detroit mayor on Wednesday, speaking at Executive Cuts & More barbershop to discuss his platform as he enters the 2025 mayoral race.

Craig, who served as DPD chief from 2013 to 2021, joins a growing list of candidates seeking to become the next mayor of Michigan’s largest city. Other declared candidates include City Council President Mary Sheffield, Councilman Fred Durhal III, Rev. Solomon Kinloch, Jr., and former City Council President Saunteel Jenkins.

Craig previously ran as a Republican for governor in 2022 and for U.S. Senate in 2024.

The November 4th, 2025 election will decide who succeeds incumbent Mayor Mike Duggan, who declined to run for a fourth term and is instead pursuing a run as an independent for Michigan governor.