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

Congressional Black Caucus leaders threw their support behind Democratic candidate Adam Hollier on Friday in the Detroit primary election, hoping to unseat Democratic incumbent Shri Thanedar.

CBC President Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) and former chair Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) joined a growing list of Democrats to support Hollier, who has already received the endorsement of Michigan Secretary of State, the Speaker of the State House and other members of the State Legislature.

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

“I know he will continue that service as an effective representative and put people above 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 all.”

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 opponent 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 in Detroit.

Since his election, Thanedar faced accusations of running a toxic work environment and not doing enough for his constituents in Detroit. He was also accused of spending too much time on social media – something Beatty targeted when supporting 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 (DN.Y.) appears to be unaware of the CBC’s support for Hollier, according to Punchbowl News.

“I think my record has been clear in terms of the position of the sitting members of the House Democratic Caucus,” Jeffries said.

Still, Hollier said in a statement Friday that he is “grateful” for Horsford and Beatty’s support.

“I look forward to working with them in Congress to safeguard our rights, protect our democracy, and serve those who need it most,” he posted on Twitter. the social platform.

The district — which leans heavily Democratic — will hold its primary in August.