REP. SHRI THANEDAR

Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents the people of Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, which includes much of Wayne County including the city of Detroit, Grosse Pointe, and Downriver. He serves on the Homeland Security Committee and is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee On Transportation And Maritime Security, and also serves on the Committee on Small Business.

In 1979, Shri immigrated to the United States to search for better opportunities. He paid for his education by working as a teacher’s assistant. During that time, he earned just $300 a month and sent $75 each month to his family. After earning his Ph.D. in Chemistry, Shri worked as a post-doctoral research scholar at the University of Michigan. He also earned an MBA from Fontbonne College in 1987. He then entered the private sector as an entrepreneur. 

For over 25 years, Shri built small businesses and created thousands of well-paying jobs that helped families. He is a three-time recipient of the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award by Ernst and Young. 

After he retired from the private sector, Thanedar answered the call to fight for social, racial and economic justice. Shri Thanedar entered politics when he chose to run in the 2018 Michigan gubernatorial election as a Democrat. Thanedar’s political platform included a $15 minimum wage, public education reform, infrastructure improvements, and increased government transparency. While he came in third, he won the city of Detroit. In 2020, he ran successfully for the Michigan Legislature. There he served on the powerful appropriations committee and helped bring millions of dollars back to his Detroit based district.

Shri lives in Detroit’s Palmer Woods neighborhood with his wife Shashi. He is a proud father and grandfather.