Shri Thanedar
Democrat Representative of Michigan's 13th district
Representative
Michigan, district 13
January 3, 2023 - January 3, 2025
1
Congresses Served
1
House Terms
February 22, 1955 (69 years old)
Birthday
- Indian-American businessman, author, and politician
- Served as a U.S. representative since 2023
- Previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2021 to 2023
- Ran in the Democratic primary for governor of Michigan in 2018
- Grew up in a lower-income family in India, supported his family from a young age
- Earned a PhD from the University of Akron in 1982 and became a U.S. citizen in 1988
- Successful entrepreneur, founded and sold several companies, including Chemir and Avomeen Analytical Services
- Faced a lawsuit over fraudulent representations of his company’s finances, which was dismissed in 2019
- Political platform includes a $15 minimum wage, public education reform, infrastructure improvements, and increased government transparency
- Contributed significantly to his own political campaigns, including $10.6 million for his gubernatorial campaign
- His gubernatorial campaign was notable for gaining traction after a statewide Super Bowl ad
- Faced controversies over past political donations and allegations related to his business practices
- Elected to the U.S. House after winning the open primary and general election for Michigan’s 13th congressional district in 2022
- Co-sponsored a resolution to halt aid to Israel, later traveled to Israel and described the U.S.-Israel relationship as mutually beneficial
- Voted in favor of removing U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days in 2023
- Launched the Dharma Caucus in 2023, focusing on standing against religious discrimination and promoting inclusion
- Married twice, with two sons from his first marriage
- Authored two autobiographies detailing his life and career journey