James Craig Launches Write-In Campaign For Michigan Governor

MICHIGAN — Even though James Craig was disqualified from the governor's race, the former Republican front-runner plans to file as a write-in candidate.

The former Detroit Police Chief was kicked-off Michigan's primary ballot in August after election officials found massive fraud on his petition form, including forged and paid signatures. He challenged the decision in court, where the ruling was upheld by supreme court justices.

Craig was one of five Republican candidates who were disqualified from the ballot by state election officials. Perry Johnson, Michael Markey, Michael Brown and Donna Brandenburg also failed to get enough valid signatures, officials said.

However, Craig is still confident in his chances to compete in the primary as a write-in candidate.

"We are moving forward. We never stopped, and we never will," Craig said in a news release. "I look forward to serving and leading Michigan to a better economy, public safety, education, and overall quality of life. It will take some work from everyone who believes in my campaign. Together we can win as a write-in."

Craig was once seen as the top Republican challenger to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in November, mainly because of his pull in southeastern Michigan, particularly Detroit, where he served as the city's police chief for eight years.

"Write-in candidate James Craig is citing the issues with his new effort to get elected as if they aren’t simply compounded tenfold from his disastrous run in the Republican primary," Michigan Democratic Party Spokesperson Rodericka Applewhaite said. "And as a direct result of MIGOP insiders spending so much time propping up his flailing campaign, Craig’s sustained presence will only cause this bitter and messy primary to get even more volatile with just nine days to go before voters begin to cast their ballots."

Five candidates remain in the Republican primary race for governor: Tudor Dixon, Kevin Rinke, Ryan Kelley, Garrett Soldano and Ralph Rebandt.

Ryan Kelley was arrested Thursday by federal officials for his connection to the capital riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Ryan was charged with several misdemeanors, including disorderly and disruptive conduct, injuring public property and unlawfully entering restricted space.