Mayor Adam Stockford endorses Chief James Craig for governor

Mayor Adam Stockford endorses Chief James Craig for governor

Hillsdale Mayor Adam Stockford endorsed former Detroit Police Department Chief James Craig, a Republican, for Michigan governor in a press release on April 4.

“I’ve been following James Craig’s career since Detroit brought him on to head their police department a decade ago,” Stockford said.

Craig’s history in law enforcement began when he started his career with the Detroit Police Department in 1977, until he was laid off four years later. From there he worked for the Los Angeles Police Department, and after many years of service, was promoted to chief of the Portland Police Department in 2009. After a brief stint in Oregon, he became chief of the Cincinnati Police Department, and most recently returned to his hometown of Detroit as its police chief. 

Craig retired last year from the police department, but Stockford said he believes this background may be useful.

“The chief embodies public service. He’s proven time and again he can withstand the pressure from the woke mob, something none of us can judge unless we’ve seen, lived and worked in the urban areas Craig has,” Stockford said.

Craig will face numerous other Republicans in the upcoming gubernatorial primary on Aug. 2. Key opponents include Tudor Dixon, host of “America’s Voice Live;” Garrett Soldano, leader of the movement Unlock Michigan; and Kevin Rinke, a businessman with a focus on healthcare.

In his endorsement, Stockford focused on what he thinks makes Craig stand out.

“He’s not a politician with a background of capitulating to special interests, or a millionaire who is self-funding his campaign. He’s a blue collar man with a wealth of experience,” he said.

Despite the lack of political experience, Stockford argued it keeps Craig loyal to the Constitution.

“He understands the constitutional duties as well as restrictions of the job of governor and he respects checks and balances. With the chief, we won’t get a governor who thinks they’re an elected king, but a true public servant,” he said.

Craig faces a challenging election ahead, both in the primary, and if successful, the general election in November. The Cook Political Report estimates the election will be a toss-up in November, while The University of Virginia’s Center for Politics Larry J. Sabato’s Crystal Ball goes as far as saying the results lean Democratic.

While polling may not be in his favor, Transparency USA estimated Craig has the highest funding out of all 11 GOP primary candidates, with a total of $2.03 million in contributions.

Stockford noted Craig’s strategic advantage in both the primaries and the November election.

“Practically speaking, as Craig is a hero to Detroiters, the chief is uniquely positioned to poach the urban votes Whitmer needs for her second term. That’s why the state Democratic Party has been relentless in their attempt to smear and damage his standing,” Stockford said.

Craig said he remains hopeful as election season inches closer.

“I am humbled by the support of Mayor Stockford and I look forward to working with him to serve the people of Hillsdale and the surrounding region as Michigan’s next governor,” Craig told The Collegian.

Regardless of the outcome, Stockford said he maintains his support for Craig.

“I’ve been a vocal supporter of Chief James Craig for years and have been encouraging him to run for state office, so it’s only natural I would continue that support when he finally pulled the trigger on it,” Stockford said.