In this 2020 photo, Detroit Police Chief James Craig addresses the media during Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s daily media briefing on the coronavirus, in Detroit. In early July, while speaking at an event, ex-Detroit police chief James Craig talked about his Republican credentials, telling party stalwarts about his evolution from being a “born” Democrat. (AP photo)

LANSING — Republican ex-Detroit Police Chief James Craig all but launched his campaign for governor on Wednesday, seeking to become Michigan’s first Black governor with a “law-and-order” message and emphasis on leadership.

Craig, the eighth Republican to form a candidate committee, is the best known and is considered a serious contender, albeit untested in electoral politics. A former Democrat, the 61-year-old would be just the second Black major-party gubernatorial nominee if he wins the 2022 primary and faces Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

He released a video and announced the formation of an “exploratory” committee that lets him begin raising and spending money. A formal campaign launch with events and rallies will likely occur after Labor Day, his campaign said.

“I led as chief of police — and began my life — on the streets of Detroit,” Craig said in a statement. “Now it is time to travel the state and visit other communities. I will be talking with law enforcement, hosting small business roundtables, and meeting with voters in their homes to hear about the negative impact the current governor’s policies are having on their communities, their workplaces and their families.”

Craig, who retired in June, had been signaling his intention to run for months. He has blamed Democrats for school closures during the coronavirus pandemic and has criticized Whitmer’s COVID-19 restrictions by saying America is not a “monarchy.”

He has touted his efforts to keep Detroit safe during tense nationwide protests against police killings of Black people and has vowed to take his mantra of “success through self-reliance” to cities where Black and other voters overwhelmingly back Democratic candidates.

Republicans’ attempts to make gains in places like Detroit and Flint have failed. Whitmer, who won by nearly 10 percentage points in 2018, took 94% of the vote in the state’s largest city. In 2020, U.S. Senate candidate John James — who is Black — won just 5% of Detroit votes.