Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Feb 2: US Congressman Shri Thanedar has kicked off the 2026 election cycle on a strong financial footing, reporting $6.4 million in cash on hand at the close of 2025, according to year-end campaign finance filings released by his campaign.
The Detroit-area Democrat said the substantial fundraising advantage positions him well to reach voters across Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, where he plans to showcase his legislative record and outline his priorities ahead of the next election.
In a statement announcing the filing, the campaign said the funds would ensure Thanedar has the resources needed to clearly communicate how he has represented and fought for constituents in the district.
Representing a constituency that includes Detroit and nearby communities, Thanedar has centered his political message on national security, immigration reform, and economic fairness, while mounting sharp criticism of President Donald Trump and senior members of his administration.
Thanedar described himself as a leading figure in efforts to safeguard democratic institutions, noting that he was the first lawmaker to introduce seven articles of impeachment against President Trump. He added that he later pursued impeachment initiatives targeting Cabinet members, including Secretaries Hegseth and Noem.
On immigration, the congressman said he has directly challenged federal enforcement agencies through legislation. He pointed to bills introduced in 2025 aimed at ending qualified immunity for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, followed by a proposal to abolish ICE in the aftermath of killings of citizens in Minnesota.
Outlining his economic agenda, Thanedar said his focus has been on tax fairness and increased federal investment in his district. He highlighted legislative proposals to raise the top marginal tax rate to 70 per cent, eliminate disparities in capital gains taxation, and exempt families earning $100,000 or less from paying federal income tax.
He also emphasised local development efforts, saying his office helped secure $25 million for projects across the district while opposing what he described as damaging cuts to federal programmes under the Trump administration.
Beyond legislation, Thanedar underscored his work on constituent services, stating that his office has assisted more than 3,800 residents in resolving issues with federal agencies.
Expressing confidence about the upcoming election, Thanedar said he believes voters in Michigan’s 13th District will once again choose him to represent them in Congress in 2026.
First elected in 2022, Thanedar entered politics after a successful entrepreneurial career. He frequently references his upbringing in poverty and has made social justice, economic opportunity, and equality central themes of his public life. Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, anchored in Detroit, is one of the state’s most diverse and economically challenged regions, making federal support and constituent outreach key factors in electoral contests.