March 3, 2025 Story by: Editor
Michigan Democrats are once again strategizing to unseat Rep. Shri Thanedar.
Since 2023, the Indian American Democrat has represented a predominantly Black district in the Detroit metro area, a situation that has frustrated the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Although efforts to replace him in 2024 were unsuccessful, some Black leaders are preparing for another attempt in the upcoming midterms.
State Rep. Donavan McKinney, a 32-year-old community leader, is seriously considering challenging Thanedar, according to two sources who requested anonymity to discuss his private deliberations.
McKinney, who was first elected to the Michigan Legislature in 2022, has deep political ties in the state and strong connections with influential labor unions. His experience includes serving as a legislative director in the state House, working for SEIU Healthcare Michigan, and being a member of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s environmental justice advisory council. He currently represents a legislative district that spans 8 Mile Road, the well-known boundary between Detroit and its northern suburbs.
A potential run for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District would not be McKinney’s first contest against Thanedar. In 2020, he ran against him in a competitive state House primary, finishing second with 20% of the vote, while Thanedar, who significantly outspent him, secured 35%.
Encouragement from labor leaders and discussions with CBC members have fueled McKinney’s possible candidacy. The CBC has long sought Black representation in the district and has had a contentious relationship with Thanedar.
In response, Thanedar emphasized his electoral strength, stating that he is focused on countering former President Donald Trump. “That said, I won my last election with an outright majority beating my nearest opponent by 21%. I’m honored to have won Detroit 7 times in a row, in fact, I have never lost an election in Detroit,” he said in a statement.
Thanedar, known for his financial resources, has self-funded his campaigns since succeeding former Rep. Brenda Lawrence. While Michigan Democrats have reached out to Lawrence, she is unlikely to enter the race. Thanedar’s 2022 victory was aided by a split Black vote among multiple candidates, a scenario his challengers acknowledge could happen again.
“Black leaders in Detroit are going to coalesce around someone and then voters will decide who can best represent their values,” said a strategist close to the CBC, who was granted anonymity to discuss party strategy. “What you can know for sure is the CBC is going to ensure the people of Detroit are well represented in Washington.”
At least two other prominent Black politicians have not ruled out a potential bid, according to POLITICO.
Former state House Speaker Joe Tate, who recently opted out of running for Detroit mayor, stated via text: “I’m focused on serving my community and helping them prosper. Unfortunately, people are hurting because of irresponsible and harmful policies from the Trump administration. … I’m working daily in Lansing to protect my community and will continue exploring ways to best serve Detroit and the State of Michigan.”
Meanwhile, former state Sen. Adam Hollier, who narrowly lost to Thanedar in the 2022 primary and failed to make the ballot in 2024, has also left the door open for another run.
“I’m not ready to make any announcement,” Hollier said in a phone interview, adding that he appreciated the support and encouragement he had received to enter the race.
Source: Politico
