'Kid Rock For Senate' Merchandise For Sale At LCA

DETROIT (WWJ) - "Kid Rock for Senate" merchandise is available for sale at Detroit's Little Caesars Arena as it opens for the venue's inaugural event on Tuesday.

Kid Rock in July launched a KidRockforSenate website that appeared to announce his candidacy, along with a line of "Kid Rock for Senate '18" t-shirts and hats.

Photos appearing on social media show those items are now for sale alongside concert tees and Kid Rock can koozies at LCA, which will be the new home of the Detroit Pistons and Red Wings.

Although Kid Rock has confirmed the campaign website (featuring slogans including "In Rock we trust," "I'll rock the party," and "Pimp of the nation") is real, he has not filed paperwork to run for Senate in 2018.

He is "thinking of running" however, according a Facebook post Monday. The singer, whose real name is Robert Ritchie, said in the post that criticism about his Detroit concerts is politically motivated.

Speaking out against a civil rights group that called for a protest, Ritchie wrote: "They are trying to use the old confederate flag BS, etc. to stir the pot, when we all know none of this would be going on if I were not thinking of running for office. Pretty funny how scared I have them all and their only agenda is to try and label people / me racist who do not agree or cower to them!!" (Read more).

Ritchie has described himself as a Libertarian, often expressing right-leaning views and strongly supported Donald Trump in his 2016 presidential run.

He was born in Romeo, Michigan, moving to Mt. Clemens as a teen. He now owns two homes in Michigan, one in Detroit and another in Clarkston. He's known for his signature mix of hip hop and rock, with hits including Born Free, Bawidaba, Cowboy, Picture and All Summer Long.

[MORE: Kid Rock To Open Detroit Arena Amid Protest, Senate Talk]