Former Cincinnati Police Chief James Craig considering run for governor of Michigan

Former Cincinnati Police Chief James Craig spoke Wednesday about potentially running to be the next governor of Michigan. 

According to the Detroit Free Press, Craig formed what he called "an exploratory committee," allowing him to raise and spend money for a potential run for governor. Still, he has yet to announce his candidacy officially.

In a news release, Craig said a formal announcement that he is running for governor "will likely occur after Labor Day when voters begin paying closer attention to the 2022 elections." 

Craig also released a campaign video titled "Leading From the Front" and announced he would launch a statewide tour to hear from voters.

The video shows Craig driving the streets of Detroit and describing the steps he took to keep protests from becoming violent after the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis.

"I led as chief of police — and began my life — on the streets of Detroit," Craig said in a news release issued by the Grand Rapids-based political consulting firm Strategic National, headed by John Yob.

"Now it is time to travel the state and visit other communities. I 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 government's policies are having on their communities, their workplaces, and their families."

In August 2011, Craig was selected as the first Black chief of police in Cincinnati. 

After about two years in that role, Craig left Cincinnati to serve as the police chief of his hometown, Detroit.