US Election: Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar re-elected for second term in Michigan district

Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar has been re-elected for a second term from Michigan's 13th Congressional District, defeating his Republican challenger, Martell Bivings, by over 35 percentage points. In a statement, Thanedar attributed his victory to his record of strong constituent services, support for working families, advocacy for unions, and commitment to reproductive freedom.

"Everywhere I go, constituents always come up to me and tell me how my office helped them with their immigration issues, secure a visa, get veterans benefits, get their tax returns, etc. That is a testament to my team and I couldn't be prouder of all their hard work and how effective we are in serving our constituents," Thanedar said.

He further highlighted the successes of his first term, including bringing federal funding to areas like Southgate that had previously not received such support.


“It's my goal to ensure that every municipality in my district receives the funds they need from DC, " he added. Thanedar sponsored 27 bills and co-sponsored 574, with particular pride in his work on mental health and small business issues.

"I want to thank my opponents for running and participating in the democratic process. I thank the US House Democratic Leadership for endorsing me, as well as the unions and groups that supported my campaign. Hopefully, Vice President Harris and Governor Walz are successful so we can continue the record investment in America that President Biden started. Regardless, I will always fight for the 13th District and its constituents," Thanedar said in a statement.

Thanedar joins four other Indian American lawmakers in the US House: Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, and Ami Bera. Krishnamoorthi was re-elected from Illinois' 7th District, Khanna from California's 17th District, and both Bera and Jayapal are expected to win. In the next Congress, Thanedar will be joined by Suhas Subramanyam, who won from Virginia's 10th District.

Over three dozen Indian Americans are running for local bodies and state legislation elections across the country in the 2024 race, reflecting the growing interest among this small ethnic community to be part of the political mainstream.

"If you are not at the table, you are on the menu," Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi commented at various Indian American gatherings motivating and encouraging community members to run for elections at all levels.

The largest number of Indian Americans running for local offices are most likely in the state of California, which sent two members to the House of Representatives - Ro Khanna and Dr Ami Bera - in addition to Vice President Kamala Harris, whose mother was from India.