The battle for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District is heating up once again. After failing to unseat Rep. Shri Thanedar in 2024, several prominent Black Democrats in the Detroit metro area are preparing to take another shot at the Indian-American lawmaker in the 2026 midterms.
The Push for Change
Thanedar, a wealthy former businessman, won the seat in 2022 after Black candidates split the vote, frustrating members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), who have long sought Black representation in the plurality-Black district. Now, some Detroit leaders are looking for a consensus candidate to rally behind, hoping to prevent a repeat of past election dynamics.
One of the most serious contenders is State Rep. Donavan McKinney, a 32-year-old community leader with deep ties to Michigan’s powerful labor unions. McKinney, who lost to Thanedar in a 2020 state House primary, has been urged by labor leaders and CBC members to mount a challenge in 2026.
“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, speaking on condition of anonymity. “What you can know for sure is the CBC is going to ensure the people of Detroit are well represented in Washington.”
A Formidable Incumbent
Thanedar, however, isn’t easily rattled. In response to news of a potential primary challenge, he pointed to his strong electoral record.
“I won my last election with an outright majority, beating my nearest opponent by 21%. I’m honored to have won Detroit seven times in a row—in fact, I have never lost an election in Detroit,” Thanedar said in a statement.
Having self-funded his campaigns in the past, Thanedar brings a financial advantage that will make him tough to beat. His critics acknowledge this but argue that a unified Black candidate could change the race.
Other Potential Challengers
McKinney isn’t the only name in the mix. Former state House Speaker Joe Tate, who recently declined to run for Detroit mayor, hasn’t ruled out a bid. When asked about his political future, Tate said he remains focused on serving his community but left the door open for new opportunities.
Meanwhile, former state Sen. Adam Hollier, who narrowly lost to Thanedar in the 2022 primary and failed to make the ballot in 2024, is also weighing another run. “I’m not ready to make any announcement,” Hollier said, though he acknowledged receiving encouragement to challenge Thanedar again.
The Road Ahead
With two years until the primary, the race for Michigan’s 13th District is already shaping up to be a showdown. If Black leaders can unite behind a single candidate, Thanedar may face his toughest challenge yet. But if history repeats itself and multiple challengers enter the race, his path to re-election may once again be clear.
One thing is certain: The battle for Detroit’s congressional seat is far from over.
