Democratic U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar is facing a challenge from within his own party, with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Black leaders from Wayne County pushing for him to be replaced in Michigan’s August primary. Detroit City Council member Mary Waters has emerged as a top contender to unseat Thanedar in Detroit’s 13th Congressional District after former state Sen. Adam Hollier was kept off the ballot due to issues with his nominating petitions. Waters, who is Black, is seen as the only candidate left with a viable shot at returning Black representation in Congress for Detroit. With the primary just over two months away, Waters faces an uphill climb against Thanedar, who holds a significant fundraising advantage.
Thanedar, who defeated eight other candidates in the Democratic primary in 2022 and went on to win his first term in office, left Detroit without Black representation in Congress for the first time since the early 1950s. Detroit leaders led by Mayor Duggan have thrown their support behind Waters, emphasizing the need for a congressman who fights for the people. The push to replace Thanedar comes amid a wider divide within the Democratic Party over the Israel-Hamas war, with many constituents in his district, which holds one of the largest Arab American populations in the country, unhappy with his support for Israel in the conflict.
In an effort to coalesce around a single Black candidate after Hollier was removed from the race, high-profile Michigan Democrats, including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, had endorsed him. Following Hollier’s exit, these backers have started to shift their support to Waters, who has emphasized her stance as a “pro-peace, anti-war” candidate. Waters, who has previously served in the state House for three terms, faces an uphill battle in fundraising compared to Thanedar, who is a wealthy businessman with a significant financial advantage. Nevertheless, Waters remains confident in her abilities to represent Detroit and fight for the people if elected.
Thanedar, for his part, received endorsements from top Democratic leaders, including Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar. Despite the push to replace him, Thanedar remains focused on continuing his work for the people of Detroit and is confident that he will secure another term in Washington. Waters’ supporters, on the other hand, view her as the candidate who will bring positive change and represent the community effectively in Congress. The upcoming primary in August will reveal whether Thanedar can retain his seat or if Waters will emerge as the chosen candidate to represent Detroit in Congress.
The endorsements against Thanedar point to a larger issue within the Democratic Party, with divisions deepening over the Israel-Hamas war. Thanedar’s support for Israel in the conflict has faced backlash from his constituents, many of whom are part of the Arab American population in his district. State Rep. Alabas Farhat, who represents the Muslim-majority city of Dearborn, endorsed Waters on the basis of her commitment to peace and anti-war efforts. Waters has been outspoken in her support for a permanent ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, aligning herself with the values and beliefs of the constituents she aims to represent.
