Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig announced the creation of an exploratory committee Wednesday, and joined Fox News host Tucker Carlson Wednesday evening to share why he’s running, and appeared on Paul W Smith show in Detroit Thursday morning.
His committee received donations from more than 3,000 individuals as part of their Day 1 Team, revealing just how much support Craig is receiving from the Republican Party base.
Following the announcement Wednesday, supporters on social media started changing their profile pictures and shared a “Day 1 Badge” graphic to tout their support of the chief on day one.
Chief Craig’s successful time as Chief of Police to the city of Detroit was widely applauded by city officials, including some Democrats. National conservatives took notice, and Tucker Carlson started having the Chief on his program in the summer of 2020 as major cities across America faced riots and civil unrest following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Craig kept the peace in Detroit, as America watched other cities burn in June of 2020.
“When the crisis came, you [James Craig] rose to it and your city did not burn. you kept it safe,” said Carlson Wednesday. Carlson has regularly praised Chief Craig for his leadership and time as police chief, even going as far as to say that he hopes he runs, and beats Whitmer, during a June interview.
Democrats are already taking notice of Craig, a sign that their internal polling also reveals how much of a threat he poses to Whitmer. A June poll from the Michigan Republican Party showed Chief Craig defeating Whitmer–45 percent to 38 percent–with a 4 point margin of error.
Craig’s massive day-one fundraising numbers indicate the kind of support he may have from across the spectrum. From young grassroots activists to conservative deep-pocketed donors, Michiganders seem more excited for a Chief Cag run than any state-wide race in recent memory.
