Indian-origin Democrat Thanedar elected to Michigan state legislature

Shri Thanedar, an Indian-origin Democrat millionaire who ran for Governor two years ago, has been elected to the House of Representatives in Michigan with 93 per cent votes.

Thanedar, 65, scientist and businessman, raised a record-breaking $438,620, primarily from his own wealth, in the state House primary against six other opponents. The former gubernatorial hopeful cashed in on his high name familiarity after he moved from Ann Arbor to Detroit after losing the 2018 primary.

His campaign two years ago featured a heavy dose of "Shri for We" television ads.