Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Michigan) has secured a victory in the Democratic primary for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, defeating Detroit Council member Mary Waters and Attorney Shakira Lynn Hawkins. The 67-year-old entrepreneur, originally from Belgaum and a self-made millionaire, will now advance to the November ballot where he is favored to win the heavily Democratic district.
At his election night party in Detroit, Thanedar expressed gratitude to his opponents for participating in the democratic process. He also thanked the U.S. House Democratic Leadership for their endorsement, as well as the unions and groups that supported his campaign. “I look forward to helping Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz win Michigan so we can do even more for my constituents,” he stated.
Thanedar, who won the seat in 2022, will face Republican Martell Bivings, who ran unopposed in the recent primary and lost to Thanedar by a significant margin in the previous election. His 2022 win was notable as he became the first non-Black representative in over 70 years from the newly redrawn 13th District, which is now 45% Black. The district encompasses most of Detroit, Hamtramck, Grosse Pointe, and the Downriver communities. He succeeded Democratic U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence, the state’s sole African American in Congress, who retired at the end of her term.
Last September, Thanedar established the ‘Hindu Caucus’ in the U.S. Congress to unify lawmakers against hate and bigotry toward Hindus in the country. He also renounced his membership in the Democratic Socialists of America, citing his support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas. A former aide accused him of pressuring congressional staff for campaign work, an allegation denied by his chief of staff.
In Kansas, Prasanth Reddy secured the Republican nomination for the U.S. House seat in the 3rd Congressional District, while State Sen. Usha Reddi, a Democrat, advanced to the November 5 election. Reddy, a specialist in oncology and internal medicine, triumphed over small business owner Karen Crnkovich and is set to face three-term U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, the sole Democrat in the state’s congressional delegation. Reddy aims to be an independent voice and secure the American Dream for his district, emphasizing family struggles, border security, and national strength.
Reddi, who ran unopposed, has represented District 22 since January 11, 2023, after replacing longtime Senator Tom Hawk. She was elected to the Manhattan City Commission in April 2013 and re-elected in 2017. She served as mayor in 2016-2017 and in 2020. She formerly worked as an educator in Manhattan-Ogden public schools and served as president of the National Education Association chapter there. In 2020, she announced a U.S. Senate run but suspended her campaign before the primary.
Meanwhile, in Washington, State Sen. Manka Dhingra’s bid for attorney general is facing challenges. As of August 6, Republican Pete Serrano led with 41.9% of the vote, followed by Democrat Nick Brown at 36%, and Dhingra at 22.2%. Dhingra represents the 45th legislative district, is the deputy majority leader of the Senate, and chairs the Law & Justice Committee, also serving on the Health & Long Term Care and Ways & Means Committees.
