Progressive knives come out for Democrat behind Trump impeachment push

The Hill

20-05-2025

Progressive knives are out for Rep. Shri Thanedar (D), a Michigan lawmaker who has emerged as something of a lightning rod within his party as he braces for a potentially tough reelection fight.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) last week became the first House Democrat this cycle to back a primary challenger to an incumbent when she threw her support behind Thanedar's progressive rival, arguing Thanedar has failed his constituents. Meanwhile, the second-term lawmaker has drawn criticism from moderates after his push to impeach President Trump, which received no oxygen from Democratic leadership.
The developments signal a potentially explosive primary that could be one of the highest-profile intraparty clashes in next year's midterms.
'The question is can there be a clear alternative vs. a multiprimary field,' said former Michigan Rep. Mark Schauer (D), arguing that a more crowded field to split the anti-Thanedar vote may benefit him.
Thanedar has undergone a political evolution during his relatively short amount of time serving in public office. After building a career as a businessman, he first entered politics when he ran for governor of Michigan in 2018, coming in third place with 18 percent of the vote but performing more strongly in the Detroit area.
He was elected to the Michigan state House in 2020 and won an open seat representing Michigan's 13th Congressional District in the U.S. House two years later. He had sought to establish his reputation as a progressive, having run for governor on issues like advocating for a $15 minimum wage and single-payer health care.
But critics have raised questions about Thanedar's progressive credentials for years. During his gubernatorial run, they pointed to issues like his donation to the late Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) presidential campaign and allegations that he considered running as a Republican in 2018.
Thanedar denied that he considered running as a Republican and said at the time that he only made the donation to attend an event and ask McCain a question.
He's also faced criticism throughout his political career over the millions of dollars that he has lent his campaigns, leaning on his significant wealth to boost his candidacy.
He became even more of a target after he renounced his membership in the Democratic Socialists of America in October 2023 over the group's promotion of a rally in New York City that Thanedar said was antisemitic. The rally was held just a day after Hamas's deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 and saw hundreds taken as hostages.
Thanedar maintained that his ideals hadn't changed at all and he still supported issues like universal health care, labor unions, environmental justice and equity for communities of color.
He faced a progressive challenge last year from Detroit City Council member Mary Waters but won his primary by 20 points.
But the effort to oust him this time has gotten a fresh boost thanks to Tlaib, who has thrown her support behind state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D). Former state Sen. Adam Hollier, who planned to run last year but didn't receive enough valid signatures to appear on the ballot, is also running.
McKinney has sought to portray Thanedar as an out-of-touch multimillionaire, arguing in his campaign launch video that he has more in common with President Trump and Elon Musk than his constituents.
McKinney told The Hill in a statement that he feels he can win the race despite last year's challenge failing because of the 'incredibly broad spectrum of support' he has rallied. He noted that Tlaib is the only other member of Congress representing Detroit, and she supports him because she needs a 'real partner in Washington to deliver for our communities at home.'
He said he truly understands the issues facing constituents because he's experienced them himself, noting that he represents the poorest state House district in Michigan and had a single mother who worked multiple jobs. He also said he understands the impacts of environmental pollution as he has to regularly check his children's lead levels to ensure the water isn't poisoning them.
'From Detroit to Downriver and beyond, we've been left behind and forgotten by Washington for far too long,' McKinney said. 'And that's because you can't fight for our communities if you're an out-of-touch millionaire bought by corporate super PACs and billionaire-funded lobbies.'
A spokesperson for Thanedar's campaign argued that the congressman remains 'highly popular' in the district, enjoying widespread grassroots support.
'While some in the establishment may support one of his opponents, voters resonate more with the Congressman because they know his story of struggle, overcoming poverty, and achieving his American Dream,' they said. 'Voters know that Congressman Thanedar is fighting for them every day in Congress, for things like education, workforce development, healthcare, housing, so they can achieve their American Dream.'
Thanedar has often pointed to his own story of growing up poor, immigrating to the U.S. from India and becoming a successful businessman.
The spokesperson said the primary, still 15 months away, is not at the top of anyone's mind and noted Thanedar hasn't lost an election in Detroit previously.
'The media making this about the primary, instead of focusing on the substance of Trump's crimes, is giving Trump a pass,' they said.
Thanedar dropped his effort to force votes on impeaching Trump, at least temporarily, last week after his proposal received no support from other Democrats, particularly as it had almost no chance of succeeding in the GOP-controlled House.
Democratic strategist Len Foxwell said the effort is a distraction from a focus on the economy as polls show voters dissatisfied with Trump's handling of it, and any time spent not discussing the economy is a 'missed opportunity.'
Thanedar, who has argued that pushing for impeachment is the right thing to do, said his constituents are 'fully supportive' of his efforts.
Strategists said the effort could be helpful for boosting support among the Democratic base, but Thanedar still could face his biggest challenge yet in his career.
'I think he's tremendously vulnerable with candidates that put together a strong race that is focused on the community,' said strategist Andrew Feldman, who's worked in Michigan.
As a Democrat wanting change in Washington, Schauer said he would prefer the focus to be on competitive seats that Democrats could pick up next year, but the primary race still matters, particularly to the constituents of the 13th District.
'Every seat in Congress is important,' he said. 'We need Democrats that are going to be effective in office. So it's important, for sure.'