DETROIT — Republican and former Detroit Police Chief James Craig is giving a “real critical look” at a potential run for U.S. Senate, he told The Detroit News.

The former GOP gubernatorial candidate said he’s been encouraged to look at a Senate run by supporters and party members around Michigan.

“I’m giving some consideration to it,” Craig said. “I’ve not made a decision, so I’m not going to say I’m going to do it.”

Craig said he has no set timeline for making a decision on whether to run. He first wants to speak to more people around the state about what they’d like to see in a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, suggesting that residents have concerns about improving the economy, crime rates and education ― areas that he views as his strengths.

Similar to the gubernatorial race, Craig said he’d only get in if he believes it’s something he could “win and make a difference.”

“I’m going to continue to do my due diligence,” he said. “I view myself as a people’s servant. I’m most passionate about serving people. And I think if you ascend to a role as a leader in politics, that shouldn’t change, and I just think that’s lacking today. Some politicians lose sight of who they represent.”

Craig, 66, of Detroit was viewed as a front-runner for the GOP gubernatorial nomination last year, but was among five candidates who didn’t make the primary ballot because of fraudulent petition signatures.

Other Republicans viewed as potential contenders for the U.S. Senate race include businessman Kevin Rinke of Bloomfield Township; U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain of Bruce Township; state Sen. Ruth Johnson of Holly; former U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer of Grand Rapids Township and U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga of Holland.

State Board of Education member Nikki Snyder of Dexter launched a campaign for the GOP nomination in February.

On the Democratic side, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Lansing announced her bid in late February and last week said she’s raised $3 million toward her campaign. Other Democrats are expected to join the field, including actor Hill Harper of Detroit and businessman Nasser Beydoun of Dearborn.