Primary Election Overview: 13th U.S. House District

May 8, 2024

by Liz Gullett

As MLC’s Communications and Social Media Manager, Liz Gullett keeps clients informed and up-to-date on the goings on in Lansing and the Capitol.

Through the primary election on August 6, we will highlight races for which the primary is the key race due to the voter base. The candidate’s website and professional information are listed when available.

District Overview

This southeast Michigan district in Wayne County encompasses several cities, including a portion of the City of Detroit.

Commentary

The 13th District has a strong 77% Democratic base, thus that primary is the one to watch. The winner is all but assured to win in November. Congressman Thanedar is running for a second term in this seat, facing strong candidates in the primary race. He won the seat in 2022 with 28% of the vote against eight other candidates but with only three opponents this primary race will likely be tougher. Additionally, former State Senator Adam Hollier has accumulated a list of endorsements from high-level elected officials and community leaders.

Democratic Candidates:

    • Shakira Lynn Hawkins – Criminal defense attorney.
    • Adam Hollier – Former State Senator, Army Veteran, former Director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, worked in the Michigan Legislature and for former Detroit Mayor Dave Bing.
      • Endorsements – Former Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a number of Michigan State Senators and Representatives, along with a long list of elected officials throughout the country, religious leaders, and organizations.
    • Congressman Shri Thanedar – He’s serving his first term in Congress after serving a term in the Michigan House of Representatives, former research scholar and small business owner.
      • Endorsements – A number of fellow Congressional members, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the Sierra Club, and the Michigan Education Association, among other groups.
    • Mary Waters – Detroit City Councilmember, former State Representative.

Republican Candidate:

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