Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig is dropping out of the Republican primary for Michigan’s U.S. Senate election but has expressed interest in a different race in the future.
Craig told the Associated Press that he was ending his campaign due to a lack of funds as opposed to a lack of interest. He also said he was “strongly considering” running for mayor of Detroit.
“This is strictly a business decision,” Craig told the outlet. “I’m not leaving because I felt like I didn’t have the support. But from a business end, you need funds to run a campaign.”
Federal Election Commission filings show Craig only reported $27,999.95 at the end of 2023, well behind some of the major candidates in the Republican primary. Former Reps. Peter Meijer and Mike Rogers reported $389,495.74 and $945,554.40 on hand, respectively, at the end of last year.
Meijer praised Craig after he dropped out, saying he would be a “fantastic Mayor of Detroit” if he decides to run, in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Chief Craig was a worthy Senate candidate, and he’d make a fantastic Mayor of Detroit if he chooses to run. I really enjoyed the chance to get to know the Chief during this campaign, and am excited to see where he directs his passion for public service next. https://t.co/0iKk8KSr11 pic.twitter.com/HRpw6tyd4w
— Peter Meijer (@VoteMeijer) February 14, 2024
“Chief Craig was a worthy Senate candidate, and he’d make a fantastic Mayor of Detroit if he chooses to run,” Meijer said. “I really enjoyed the chance to get to know the Chief during this campaign, and am excited to see where he directs his passion for public service next.”
Rogers also praised Craig upon the news of him dropping out of the primary, saying he hopes the former police chief will “continue to be engaged.”
“James Craig is a true son of Detroit who built a long and distinguished career in law enforcement that brought real change, safety, and security to his hometown,” Rogers said in a statement. “He made a real difference for the community and his dedication to public safety is respected throughout Southeast Michigan and America. I hope that he will continue to be engaged and I will seek his counsel on how we can work together to bring a brighter and safer future for all Michiganders.”
Craig previously ran for governor in 2022 but was among several candidates who were disqualified ahead of the GOP primary after it was found that some of the signatures on his candidate petition were illegitimate.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The Senate race in Michigan is to replace outgoing Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). On the Democratic side, Rep. Elisa Slotkin (D-MI) is the front-runner.
A poll released last month shows Slotkin neck-and-neck with her potential Republican opponents in one of the key races for control of the upper chamber of Congress.