Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar. 
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar was re-elected from the thirteenth Congressional district of Michigan.

He defeated his Republican rival Martell Bivings by a margin of over 35 percentage points as he was re-elected for the second term.

In a statement he credited his victory to his record of delivering strong constituent services, standing up for working families, fighting for unions, and always fighting for reproductive freedom.

“Everywhere I go, constituents always come up to me and tell me how my office helped them with their immigration issues, secure a visa, get veterans benefits, get their tax returns, etc. That is a testament to my team and I couldn’t be prouder of all their hard work and how effective we are in serving our constituents,” Mr. Thanedar said.

“I’m also looking forward to building on the success of our first term. We were able to bring federal dollars to areas downriver, like Southgate, that had never received federal funding. But it’s my goal to ensure that every municipality in my district receives the funds they need from DC. We sponsored 27 bills and cosponsored another 574, and I’m especially proud of my work in the areas of mental health and small business,” he said.

“I want to thank my opponents for running and participating in the democratic process. I thank the U.S. House Democratic Leadership for endorsing me, as well as the unions and groups that supported my campaign. Hopefully, Vice President Harris and Governor Walz are successful so we can continue the record investment in America that President Biden started. Regardless, I will always fight for the 13th District and its constituents,” Mr. Thanedar said in a statement.

The U.S. House of Representatives currently has five Indian American lawmakers, including Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal and Ami Bera.

Mr. Krishnamoorthi was re-elected from the seventh Congressional District of Illinois, a seat he has won since 2017.

Mr. Khanna was re-elected to the U.S. House in California’s 17th Congressional District. Mr. Bera and Ms. Jayapal are expected to win.

In the next Congress, they would be joined by Suhas Subramanyam from the tenth Congressional District of Virginia.

Washington:

In one of the rarest instances, the Congressional Black Caucus has lined up to oust one of the sitting lawmakers, Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar, who is seeking his re-election from the 13th Congressional District of Michigan.

Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford and his immediate predecessor Joyce Beatty in a significant political move announced to endorse Adam Hollier over Thanedar in the Democratic primary.

In the American political tradition, a sitting lawmaker is rarely opposed by their party leadership in the primary.

The 13th Congressional District of Michigan has a black majority, and this was the first time that it did not have a black representing them in the House of Representatives.

“From the U.S. Army to Governor Whitmer’s cabinet, Adam Hollier has spent his life serving his community and his country. I know he will continue that service as an effective representative and put people over politics. Adam is the kind of leader who understands the importance of protecting our freedoms, fighting for our rights, and ensuring opportunities for everyone,” Horsford said in a statement.

Hollier “is exactly the kind of leader we need standing with us in Congress,” said Beatty. “While some politicians would rather tweet than show up, Adam always steps up, shows up, and delivers results,” she said.

US media described it as an unusual development.

Thanedar is the first Indian American to represent Michigan in Congress. He defeated his Republican opponent by 47 percentage points in 2022 and in the process, he broke a 67-year streak of a Black Michigander representing Detroit.

In the first quarter, he raised USD5 million and garnered over 15 endorsements from influential elected officials and organisations. He has received endorsements from lawmakers Ami Bera, Judy Chu, Robert Garcia, Marcy Kaptur, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ted Lieu, Seth Magaziner, Brad Sherman, and Dina Titus.

Human Rights Campaign, Labourers International Union of North America (LiUNA), National Education Association, Michigan Education Association, and Newtown Action Alliance have also endorsed him.

“Together, we will continue to fight for progress, equality, and opportunity for all residents of Michigan’s 13th,” he said in an earlier statement early this month. Thanedar said he remains committed to engaging with voters, listening to their concerns, and advocating for policies addressing the challenges of the community.
 

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