Black Caucus members look to replace Detroit lawmaker with new Black member

Leaders within the Congressional Black Caucus threw their support behind Democratic candidate Adam Hollier on Friday in Detroit’s primary election in the hopes of ousting 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 endorsements from Michigan’s secretary of state, the state’s House Speaker and other members of the state Legislature. 

Horsford said Hollier, an Army veteran and the director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, has spent his life serving his community and his country.

“I know he will continue that service as an effective representative and put people over politics,” Horsford said in a statement. “Adam is the kind of leader who understands the importance of protecting our freedoms, fighting for our rights, and ensuring opportunities for everyone.” 

Hollier won the state Senate election for District 2 in 2018. He ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022 but lost to Thanedar in the Democratic primary. 

Thanedar, the first Indian American to represent Michigan in Congress, beat his Republican challenger by 47 percentage points in 2022. His election also broke 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 faced accusations of running a toxic work environment and not doing enough for his constituents in Detroit. He has also been accused of spending too much time on social media — something Beatty took aim at in her endorsement of Hollier. 

“While some politicians would rather tweet than show up, Adam always steps up, shows up, and delivers results,” she said. 

But House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) seems to have been unaware of the CBC’s support for Hollier, according to Punchbowl News.

“I think my track record has been clear in terms of standing by incumbent members of the House Democratic Caucus,” Jeffries said.

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.