The leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus supported Democratic candidate Adam Hollier on Friday in Detroit’s primary election, aiming to remove Democratic incumbent Shri Thanedar.
CBC chair Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) and former chair Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) joined other Democrats in endorsing Hollier, who has also been endorsed by Michigan’s secretary of state, the state’s House Speaker, and other members of the state Legislature.
Horsford stated that Hollier, an Army veteran and the director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, has dedicated his life to serving his community and country.
Horsford mentioned in a statement that he believes Hollier will continue to serve as an effective representative and prioritize people over politics. He described Hollier as a leader who understands the importance of preserving freedoms, advocating for rights, and ensuring opportunities for everyone.
Hollier won the 2018 state Senate election for District 2. In 2022, he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives but was defeated by Thanedar in the Democratic primary.
In 2022, Thanedar, the first Indian American to represent Michigan in Congress, won against his Republican opponent by 47 percentage points and ended a 67-year streak of a Black Michigander representing Detroit.
There are currently no Black members of Congress from Detroit.
Since his election, Thanedar has been accused of creating a toxic work environment and not doing enough for his constituents in Detroit. He has also been criticized for spending excessive time on social media, which was highlighted in Beatty’s endorsement of Hollier. "While some politicians would rather tweet than show up, Adam always steps up, shows up, and delivers results," she said. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) seemed to be unaware of the CBC’s support for Hollier, as reported by Punchbowl News.
Jeffries mentioned, "I think my track record has been clear in terms of standing by incumbent members of the House Democratic Caucus.”
However, Hollier expressed gratitude for Horsford’s and Beatty’s support in a Friday statement. The district, which heavily favors the Democratic party, will have its primary in August..
Leaders within the Congressional Black Caucus threw their support behind Democratic candidate Adam Hollier on Friday in Detroit’s primary election, aiming to remove Democratic incumbent Shri Thanedar. CBC chair Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) and former chair Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) joined a growing list of Democrats to back Hollier, who has already received…
Still, Hollier said in a statement Friday that he is “grateful” for Horsford’s and Beatty’s support.
“I am looking forward to working with them in Congress to safeguard our rights, protect our Democracy, and deliver for those who need it most,” he posted on the social platform X.
The district — which leans heavily Democratic — will have its primary in August.
