After an extensive election night, results are in, and with nearly 40% of precincts reporting, projections show that incumbent Shri Thanedar will defeat At-Large Detroit City Councilmember Mary Waters and attorney Shakira Hawkins in the Democratic primary for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District.
As of Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 8 a.m., Thanedar had received 54% of the votes (39,807), while Waters took 34% of the votes (25,029), and Hawkins scored 11% of the votes (8,251).
“I want to thank my opponents for running and participating in the democratic process,” Thanedar said in a statement. “I thank the U.S. House Democratic Leadership for endorsing me, as well as the unions and groups that supported my campaign. Now, I’m looking forward to helping Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz win Michigan so we can do even more for my constituents.”
Waters told Michigan Chronicle during her election night watch party at Bert’s Warehouse in Detroit that she wasn’t hopeful that Thanedar could lead in the best way for the residents of Detroit.
“I hope that it’s been a very valuable lesson for [Thanedar],” said Waters of the race. “He needs to do better for those that he represents and I’m just not sure if he can. I’m not sure if he has that within him. I’m not sure if he has the ability to care enough to do that. I don’t see that in him, and I’ve been looking for it; it’s just not there.”
Waters had been campaigning for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District seat for nearly a year. Known for her tenure as a former state House member, Waters symbolized the Black community’s hope for representation in Congress. Waters noted that Thanedar, a businessman with a history of self-funding his campaigns, and Hawkins, who garnered the least support among the three, didn’t have the leadership experience that she did. Waters’ candidacy sparked a movement, with the community rallying behind her, believing she embodies their aspirations for genuine leadership.
“Any candidate gets a little nervous awaiting the results,” shared Waters. “Because you know that you put the work in and you hope that people can see things the way that you see it and that is just why this race is so important to have someone in Washington D.C. representing for us, fighting for us and we don’t have that right now. The 13th congressional district has been neglected.”
The 13th District encompasses a diverse range of communities, including Allen Park, parts of Dearborn Heights, Detroit, Ecorse, the Grosse Pointes, Hamtramck, Harper Woods, Highland Park, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, River Rouge, Romulus, Southgate, Taylor, Wayne, and Wyandotte. This district is a Democratic stronghold, where the primary winner is almost assured victory in the general election. Despite the economic hardships and high poverty rates in many of its urban areas, this community stands resilient, demanding leaders who will advocate for their needs.
“I wish that people would take back their own power and not allow big money to control them,” Waters expressed. “You can’t take corruption out of government. The fact that [Thanedar] will be able to have bought a seat yet again, what does that say for us?”
Waters said that the clear smear attack on her character through commercials and social media ads likely had an impact on the outcome of the race. She said she has demonstrated her commitment to major issues throughout her time on the Detroit City Council. She has been a strong advocate for policies aimed at aiding first-time homebuyers and expanding recreational opportunities for seniors. Her advocacy is grounded in a deep understanding of the challenges faced by her constituents, making her a relatable and reliable candidate.
“We sent a clear message that we want this congressman (Thanedar) to do a better job on behalf of the people,” expressed Waters. “I am an at-large member on the Detroit City Council, and I will continue to do my job.”
Economic strategies to uplift urban communities like Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck, and River Rouge were central to her campaign. These areas are home to a significant portion of Democratic Primary voters who live at or near the federal poverty guideline. Waters’ vision included crafting federal and local policies that provide tangible benefits to these residents, focusing on housing, economic development, and social services.
Thanedar said that he was proud of his accomplishments during his first term and will do even more to fight for Detroiters during his next term.
“We were able to get $342 million for infrastructure projects and $15 million for community projects throughout the district for workforce development, infrastructure upgrades, surviving extreme weather events, and more,” he said. I’m especially thankful that I was able to bring federal dollars to municipalities that haven’t received federal money in decades.”
Waters said that she still feels like she could’ve done a better job for Detroiters and residents in the area.
“Somebody has to advocate on behalf of the people, and I did ask the people in the 13th congressional district to send me to be their advocate,” Waters said. “They won’t find a better advocate who cares more than I do. But ultimately, it’s up to the people. When they go in and cast that vote, they cast it for different reasons whatever that reason is, but I certainly hope that they realize they have not been getting the representation that they deserve.”
As election results rolled in, the atmosphere at Waters’ watch party was filled with anticipation and hope for stronger representation in Congress. The restaurant, known for its rich history and significance in the Black community, provided a fitting backdrop for this pivotal moment. Conversations centered on Waters’ track record and her plans to address economic disparities if elected. The focus remained on the collective hope for meaningful change and stronger representation in Congress, despite the outcome of the election.
“We do have an election come November and we need to work hard to make sure that we have the right representation as well,” Waters shared. “I want the people to start stepping up, not giving up, take back your power, fight against this big money because I got to tell you that big money is taking over and if we don’t fight back and stand up by casting our votes, then shame on us.”
Former State Senator Adam Hollier was expected to be Thanedar’s toughest opponent heading into this primary race, but he was disqualified from the ballot in May 2024 by Wayne County Clerk Cathy Garret’s office for what they said were invalid signatures, which caused Hollier to fall short of the 1,000 signatures needed to qualify for the ballot.
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