Michigan 13th Congressional District

U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar has won the Democratic primary for Michigan's 13th Congressional District, securing approximately 71% of the vote against his challengers Mary Waters and Shakira Lynn Hawkins. His victory positions him favorably for the November general election, where he will likely face Republican Martell Bivings, who lost to Thanedar by nearly 50 percentage points in 2022. Despite receiving substantial backing from prominent Democrats, Waters and Hawkins argued for the need for Black representation in the district, which has been without an African-American representative for five years. Thanedar, an Indian-American and self-made millionaire, has been criticized for not listening to constituents, although supporters praise his independent funding and community project achievements. The 13th District remains solidly Democratic, having consistently favored Democratic candidates in recent elections. Thanedar's challenge was notable as he faced significant opposition from within his party, unlike other incumbents in Michigan.