Former Michigan state Sen. Adam Hollier has launched a Democratic primary challenge against Rep. Shri Thanedar for the House seat representing most of Detroit, marking his third attempt to secure the seat. Hollier, a Black Democrat, previously ran for the position in 2022 and 2024 but failed to win the primary or make the ballot. His campaign is backed by leaders within the Congressional Black Caucus, who have previously supported him. Meanwhile, Thanedar, an Indian American Democrat and multimillionaire, has self-funded his congressional bids since taking over the seat from former Rep. Brenda Lawrence.
Hollier, who served as a state senator from 2018 to 2022 and led the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, criticized Thanedar for prioritizing self-promotion over addressing local needs. ‘While everyday Michiganders are struggling, Shri Thanedar is spending hundreds of thousands of their hard-earned tax dollars putting up self-portraits of himself all over the district,’ Hollier said, ‘that’s something only Donald Trump would be proud of.’ The race highlights tensions within the Democratic Party as candidates vie for the support of Detroit’s diverse electorate.
The contest is expected to draw attention to key issues facing Detroit, including economic hardship, housing, and healthcare. Both candidates have promised to focus on policies that address these challenges, though their approaches differ. Thanedar has emphasized his self-funded campaigns and the need for fiscal responsibility, while Hollier has rallied support by highlighting the struggles of everyday residents. As the primary season unfolds, the race may serve as a barometer of the party’s priorities and the state of local politics in one of the most diverse districts in the nation.