Belagavi-born Congressman Shri Thanedar has been re-elected to Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, securing a decisive victory over his Republican opponent, Martell Bivings, by over 35 percentage points. This marks his second term in office. Thanedar attributed his success to his commitment to delivering robust constituent services, supporting working families, advocating for unions, and standing up for reproductive rights.
Dr Shri Thanedar’s journey to the United States began in 1979 when he emigrated from Belagavi, India, to pursue a PhD in polymer chemistry from the University of Akron, which he completed in 1982 after earning his Master’s degree from the University of Bombay in 1977. Following his doctoral studies, he held a post-doctoral position at the University of Michigan from 1982 to 1984 and later worked as a polymer synthesis chemist and project leader for Petrolite Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri.
In 1990, Thanedar acquired a small, struggling company named Chemir with just three employees and $150,000 in annual sales. Under his leadership, Chemir grew into a successful enterprise with over $63 million in sales and 400 employees. Known for his skill in business turnarounds, Thanedar went on to buy and sell eight companies, solidifying his reputation in the business world.
Thanedar’s story began in Mirapur Galli, Shahpur, Belagavi, where he grew up as one of six children in a low-income family. He attended Chintamanrao High School, where he scored 55% on his SSLC exams, and later secured a job at the State Bank of India in Bijapur. Despite initial setbacks—such as being denied leave to pursue his MSc, ultimately losing his job when he chose to continue his studies in Dharwad—Thanedar persevered.
His memoir, ही श्रीची इच्छा (This Is Shri’s Wish), became a bestseller, chronicling his journey from modest beginnings in Belagavi to his success in both business and politics.