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