Photo: Ryan Garza ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
DETROIT, July 30, 2025 ~ As Detroit grapples with a summer surge in gun violence, former police chief and mayoral candidate James Craig is doubling down on a familiar message: safety first. But while his tough-on-crime stance resonates with many residents, critics warn that his approach risks alienating communities already wary of over-policing.
In a recent interview on 760 WJR’s “‘JR Afternoon,” James Craig responded to a string of violent incidents — including the tragic shooting of a six-year-old boy — with a call for renewed urgency in public safety. “We can never accept it,” Craig said. “We just have to set a tone, be firm in the tone, because people need to believe you’re there to protect.”
His message, rooted in his tenure as Detroit’s police chief, has struck a chord with many voters who remember his no-nonsense leadership style. “I run into Detroiters every day who say, ‘Chief, I miss you. Things are just not the same,’” he told host Ryan Ermanni.
PODCAST:
July 29, 2025 ~ Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig joins “‘JR Afternoon“ to share how his legacy of leadership and public safety is shaping his run for mayor. Hear why some Detroiters say they miss his presence, and why others question whether his politics fit the city’s future.
(CONTINUED) Craig’s campaign centers on restoring a sense of order through expanded community policing, youth mentorship, and mental health initiatives. Supporters, particularly among Detroit’s senior population, praise his track record. “You were the best chief in my lifetime,” one voter reportedly told him. Craig insists that his mayoral leadership would mirror the transparency and accountability he championed in uniform.
But not everyone is convinced. During a recent debate, fellow candidate Saunteel Jenkins criticized Craig’s platform, warning, “If you want a future that includes more guns in schools, locking up our kids, Craig is your guy.”
Others have raised concerns about his alignment with President Donald Trump, especially after Craig defended Trump’s controversial deployment of military forces during protests in Los Angeles.
While Craig maintains that his political affiliation won’t hinder his ability to serve Detroit, some voters remain skeptical. “The party left me,” he said. “But I’m a Detroiter first.”
Despite the criticism, Craig remains confident. “Nothing has changed about me,” he said. One senior told him, “What matters to me isn’t your party — it’s what you’ve done … that’s why I voted for you.”
As Detroit prepares for its August 5 primary, Craig’s candidacy is shaping up as a referendum not just on public safety, but on how much the city is willing to embrace a law-and-order vision in a time of uncertainty.
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Want to learn more about James Craig and the eight others who are vying for the keys to City Hall? Check out our special WJR.com feature, “The Detroit Nine,” your inside track to the candidates, their plans, and what’s really at stake this election.
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