DETROIT — Former State Senator Adam Hollier announced he will challenge Congressman Shri Thanedar in the Democratic primary for the 13th Congressional District that spans much of Detroit, the Grosse Pointes and Downriver.
For Hollier, this will represent a rematch with Thanedar of the 2022 primary. Thanedar won a crowded primary with only 28.3 percent while Hollier finished second with 23.5 percent. Many political observers credited Thanedars win with the fact that the crowded primary allowed for the more mainstream vote to be split giving Thanedar and his heavy spending an advantage. Hollier hopes to benefit from fewer candidates challenging Thanedar.
“The truth is, what our community needs is actually very simple — a congressman who will listen, show up, and deliver. Shri Thanedar hasn’t gotten it done. I will,” Hollier said in his announcement. Hollier’s ActBlue page contributing campaign contributions states, “Detroit needs a Congressman who gets things done for our community.” Hollier also announced that Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and former U.S. Representative Brenda Lawrence have endorsed his candidacy.
Hollier, 38, served as a volunteer firefighter before enlisting in the United States Army, graduating with distinction from officer candidate school, where he earned the commission of 2nd Lieutenant. Hollier was elected to the Michigan Senate in 2018, and served as the sergeant-at-arms and parliamentarian of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus.
After leaving the Michigan Senate, Hollier was appointed director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer starting January 1, 2023.
Thanedar has come under fire for poor constituent services by current State Senator Darrin Camilleri and has been attacked by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib.
In related news, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has named Brian Love the new director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency replacing Hollier who resigned his position to run for Congress.
