Black Democrats Want To Make Another Run Against Shri Thanedar

India-West News Desk

DETROIT, MI – Politico reports that Michigan Democrats are preparing for another attempt to unseat Rep. Shri Thanedar, the Indian American Democrat who has represented Michigan’s 13th Congressional District since 2023. Thanedar’s hold on the seat has drawn frustration from the Congressional Black Caucus, and despite failing to oust him in 2024, some Black leaders are gearing up for a new challenge in the upcoming midterm elections.

State Rep. Donavan McKinney, a 32-year-old community leader, is a key figure in the mix. Politico reveals that McKinney, first elected to the state Legislature in 2022, is seriously considering a run against Thanedar. McKinney, who has deep ties to Michigan’s powerful labor unions, previously competed with Thanedar in the 2020 state House primary but fell short, securing 20 percent of the vote compared to Thanedar’s 35 percent.

Labor leaders in Michigan have encouraged McKinney to launch another challenge, and he has been in discussions with members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Politico notes that the CBC has long advocated for Black representation in the district, and their difficult relationship with Thanedar only adds to the political tension.

In response, Thanedar has expressed confidence in his position. Politico cited a statement from Thanedar in which he emphasized his focus on fighting back against former President Donald Trump, while also highlighting his successful electoral track record. “I won my last election with an outright majority, beating my nearest opponent by 21%. I’m honored to have won Detroit seven times in a row, and in fact, I’ve never lost an election in Detroit,” Thanedar stated.

Despite the challenges, Thanedar remains a tough competitor. Wealthy and self-funded, he triumphed in 2022 largely due to the split Black vote. His opponents know that a similar fragmentation in the district could work in his favor once again. As the midterm elections draw closer, the battle for Michigan’s 13th District is poised to intensify, with Politico concluding that Democrats are determined to try once more to unseat Thanedar.