Former Michigan state Senator Adam Hollier has officially thrown his hat in the ring for the Democratic primary challenge against two-term Rep. Shri Thanedar. This marks Hollier’s third attempt to secure the House seat representing most of Detroit. His previous experience includes serving as a Michigan state Senator from 2018 to 2022 and leading the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency under Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
In a press release announcing his candidacy, Hollier emphasized the urgent need for bold solutions to address the various crises facing the country, from housing and daycare to the rising costs of everyday necessities. “We need leaders who won’t back down in the face of these challenges,” he stated.
Rep. Shri Thanedar, an Indian American Democrat, has held Detroit’s plurality-Black district since 2023. Despite being unsuccessful in the 2022 primary against Thanedar and not making it onto the ballot in 2024, Hollier has garnered support from leaders within the Congressional Black Caucus.
Thanedar, a multimillionaire, has largely self-funded his congressional campaigns since taking over the seat previously held by former Democratic Rep. Brenda Lawrence. Hollier criticized Thanedar’s self-funding, stating, “The last thing we need are more millionaires and billionaires like Elon Musk and Shri Thanedar who are only in it for themselves.”
Hollier also took aim at Thanedar’s alleged misuse of taxpayer dollars, claiming that the incumbent congressman has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on self-portraits displayed throughout the district. He likened this behavior to that of former President Donald Trump, suggesting that it was a move only Trump would approve of.
As the Democratic primary race heats up in Detroit, voters will have the opportunity to decide between Hollier’s call for bold leadership and solutions and Thanedar’s self-funded campaign and alleged misuse of taxpayer funds. The outcome of this primary contest could have significant implications for the future representation of Detroit in the House of Representatives.
