The barbershop is a sacred space in Black communities. It’s where brothers gather to decompress, sharpen their fades, and speak their truth without pretense. It’s a place of unfiltered dialogue, a sanctuary where the outside world’s expectations can be left at the door. So, when former Detroit Police Chief James Craig decided to announce his run for mayor from Executive Cuts, a barbershop near the Detroit Riverwalk, the choice wasn’t just symbolic—it was strategic.
“Hollywood Craig is back,” he said, acknowledging a nickname often used to critique his media presence. It was a joke, but the campaign launch was not. Craig wants to lead Detroit, and he’s making it clear that his tenure as chief was only the beginning.
“I’m not running for mayor because I want to be in charge, I’m running because I want to serve you,” Craig said. “As your former chief, I made a commitment to protect and uplift this city. Now I want to continue that commitment as your mayor.”
Detroit’s mayoral elections are non-partisan, but Craig has not distanced himself from his Republican affiliation or his past support of Donald Trump. Standing firm, he framed his political identity as a strength, suggesting his ties to national conservative figures could be an asset for the city.
“I’m authentic. I lived by being authentic my entire career,” Craig said. “Everybody knows I’m a Republican. I’ve had some people say, ‘Why don’t you run as a Democrat or independent?’ I said, ‘No.’ I am a Republican, but I am first a Detroiter. When I am mayor, I will reach out and touch Washington for much-needed financial help.”
He pointed to Mayor Mike Duggan’s relationship with President Joe Biden, highlighting the billions in federal relief funds Detroit received. Craig implied that his connections could yield similar benefits, but under a different administration.
“If you look across the country, I don’t know how many mayors will have the ability to touch this administration,” Craig said.
Detroit remains overwhelmingly Democratic, and Trump’s policies have never found deep support in the city. In the 2024 election, 90% of Detroiters voted against him, though he did see a notable increase in support compared to 2016. Craig’s campaign is banking on his public safety record to bridge that divide. Senior campaign adviser Gerald Williams dismissed concerns about Craig’s political alignment alienating voters.
“He’s the only candidate that has protected people,” Williams said.
Craig is entering a competitive race, with several candidates already filing campaign committees ahead of the April 22 deadline. The list includes businessman Jonathan Barlow, City Council Member Fred Durhal III, former nonprofit CEO Saunteel Jenkins, Triumph Church’s Rev. Solomon Kinloch, City Council President Mary Sheffield, and others. Craig’s name recognition, particularly among older voters who recall his tenure as police chief, may give him an initial advantage. His team is preparing for a high-profile campaign launch at the Roostertail, a waterfront venue where unnamed rappers who have worked with Sheffield are expected to appear.
Craig’s announcement at Executive Cuts was not just about his campaign—it was a return to familiar ground. Shop owner De’Angelo Smith, who has been cutting Craig’s hair since 2014, was the first to encourage him to run. Smith has witnessed the slow transformation of the riverfront and hopes the momentum continues.
“We were able to endure those tough times, and we made it to a point where things are looking up,” Smith said. “I’m happy to be a Detroiter and have a business here in the city. I’m looking forward to the future.”
For customers like Del Davis, owner of Motor City Sweet Treats, the event was a surprise. He arrived for a routine haircut and found himself in the middle of Craig’s press conference.
“Every time I come here, it’s good conversation. We don’t always agree politically, but he’s a good guy and his integrity speaks for itself,” Davis said. “I’m getting locked in, understanding who the candidates are.”
Craig’s campaign is leaning into his law enforcement background, reminding voters of his handling of the 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd. He has repeatedly touted Detroit as one of the few major cities that did not see large-scale riots.
“Did we want a Seattle? Did we want someone to evict police officers from a police station?” Craig asked. “Ask the average Joe who lives out here in Detroit, and they’ll tell you, ‘I appreciate what he did.’”
That framing ignores the $1 million settlement the city paid after demonstrators accused DPD of using excessive force. The federal lawsuit alleged officers used tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, and illegal chokeholds to suppress protests. Craig dismissed these allegations and referred to the demonstrations as the “summer of love.”
Craig’s law-and-order stance has earned him national conservative appeal, landing him regular appearances on Fox News and other right-leaning platforms. His positions—including support for arming teachers and calling Black Lives Matter a Marxist movement—have made him a polarizing figure in his own city. His tenure as chief saw an expansion of Project Green Light, a police surveillance program that installed cameras in businesses across Detroit. A Michigan State University study found the program reduced carjackings but had limited overall impact on crime.
Williams defended Craig’s leadership and the surveillance initiative, arguing that criticisms had “crumbled in the face of arrests and crime deterrence.”
Craig’s political aspirations have not been without missteps. He retired as police chief in 2021 to run for governor, only to be disqualified from the Republican primary for submitting fraudulent signatures. His brief 2024 U.S. Senate run ended early due to fundraising struggles. Despite these setbacks, he insists those experiences have prepared him for this campaign.
Craig’s platform includes plans to address crime, economic growth, education, and government transparency. He argued that while Detroit’s crime statistics have improved, many residents still do not feel safe. His approach to leadership, he said, will prioritize direct engagement with the community.
“We need a mayor who will listen, someone not focused on the headlines,” Craig said. “Even though I did say I’m Hollywood Craig, it’s not about the headlines, but your daily reality.”
The mayoral race will test whether Detroiters see Craig as a protector or a politician. His track record includes both moments of praise and controversy, and his unapologetic conservatism may present a challenge in a city where progressive values and community advocacy run deep.
Craig’s ability to navigate that reality will determine whether his return to the barbershop was the beginning of something greater or just another cut before the next fade.
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