Detroit Police Chief James Craig announces retirement, doesn’t rule out running for governor
Updated May 10, 2021;
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Detroit Police Chief James Craig is retiring, he announced at a press conference Monday, and is leaving the door open for a possible gubernatorial run.
“I have not made that decision. I’m not ruling it out,” said Craig, who said he has identified as a conservative and a Republican for at least a decade.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is running for another term, and a number of Republicans are vying to challenge her for the seat.
Craig said he was “humbled and flattered” by the messages of support he’s gotten about speculation that he could run for governor as a Republican.
Watch here: Chief Craig announces retirement from Detroit Police Department
‘I am deeply passionate for public service,” Craig says
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DETROIT – Detroit police Chief James Craig announced his retirement during a news conference Monday after heading the department for eight years.
With June marking 44 years in law enforcement, Craig called the retirement “bittersweet.” He is set to retire on June 1, and says his decision to retire is voluntary.
Craig also said that the best part of his career has been here in the city of Detroit.
“I’m leaving a good place,” Craig said. “I love this city and I love this state.”
Detroit Police Chief James Craig to retire, won t say whether he s running for governor Miriam Marini, Detroit Free Press
Detroit Police Chief James Craig confirmed his retirement in a news conference Monday while simultaneously sidestepping rumors that he will challenge Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in next year s gubernatorial race.
Craig, who proclaimed his longtime alignment with the Republican Party, will leave his post after eight years June 1, Craig said during Monday s news conference with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a Democrat, standing beside him. Craig described the moment as bittersweet and stressed he is leaving the department of his own volition. I m leaving in a good place, I love this city and I love this state, Craig said.
According to one police source who requested anonymity, Craig is eyeing a run for governor as a Republican against Gretchen Whitmer. Fox 2 news also is reporting that Craig is expected to run for a statewide office, possibly governor.
Craig was the chief of the Cincinnati Police Department from 2011 to 2013, before leaving for the top post in his hometown.
Retired Deputy Chief Steve Dolunt, who said he has not yet spoken to Craig about the reported news, had only words of praise for Craig. He s done wonders for this city. He has changed this department around and built trust among the citizens of Detroit, said Dolunt, who retired in 2017 after 31 years of service. I was there with him for four years and I saw a major turnaround.