Detroit’s next mayor will be chosen without an incumbent defending the seat. For the first time since 1974, when Coleman A. Young made history, the path is clear for a new Black mayor to lead a city that remains over 80% Black. This shift reflects not only a political opportunity but a long-overdue return to representation rooted in the community’s core.
James Craig, former Detroit Police Chief, has entered the race with a campaign centered on public safety and executive leadership. After serving as chief from 2013 to 2021, Craig is returning to Detroit’s political landscape following a brief 2022 run in the Republican gubernatorial primary. He is now running in a nonpartisan mayoral contest, hoping that his law enforcement record and management background will resonate across the city.
Craig’s platform highlights what he sees as a clear need for stronger public safety measures and improved quality of life for Detroiters. He is focusing on crime prevention, neighborhood stability, and increased access to city services. His campaign also emphasizes direct voter engagement, signaling a more hands-on approach to leadership.
Though Craig’s prior political affiliations may raise questions for some residents in Detroit’s largely Democratic electorate, he has framed the mayor’s race as a local conversation—one grounded in results, not partisanship. He points to his eight years as police chief as a demonstration of his ability to manage large departments, navigate crises, and remain visible in the community.
Craig is making the case that his experience running the Detroit Police Department gives him a strong foundation to lead the city through its next chapter. He is calling for balanced development, cleaner streets, and stronger infrastructure—all rooted in what he describes as practical, proven leadership.
This interview includes Craig’s responses to the same 18 questions posed to every candidate. His answers reflect his law enforcement career, his executive perspective, and his push for a safer, more stable Detroit.
