Shri Thanedar

Top Democratic leaders on Monday endorsed Congressman Shri Thanedar for re-election in Michigan, backing him ahead of the August 4 Democratic primary in the state’s 13th Congressional District. Thanedar is facing a challenge from Donavan McKinney.

In a joint statement, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said they were backing Thanedar for another term, citing his work on the cost of living and his opposition to President Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans.

"Congressman Shri Thanedar has always shown up for his constituents and is fighting every day to lower the cost of housing and groceries, and to make life more affordable for everyday Michiganders," the three Democratic leaders said. They added that Thanedar has never been afraid to stand up to Trump and MAGA Republicans. "We endorse Shri Thanedar for re-election and look forward to his continued service on behalf of the people of Detroit and Michigan’s 13th Congressional District," they said.

Thanedar, who has held a Congressional seat since 2023, thanked the party leadership for the endorsement and referred to the stakes in November’s election. "I am honoured to receive the endorsement of Leader Jeffries, Whip Clark, and Chair Aguilar," Thanedar said. "I ran for Congress to fight for the people of Detroit and Michigan’s 13th District, and that is exactly what I have done. I will continue working to lower the cost of housing, groceries, healthcare, and other everyday necessities while standing up to Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans," he said.

McKinney has been endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America. He and Thanedar had earlier faced each other in a 2020 Democratic primary for the Michigan House, which Thanedar won with about 35 per cent of the vote. The latest endorsement puts Thanedar’s re-election bid in focus ahead of the August 4 primary in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District.

With PTI Inputs

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