Source: Duggan plans to endorse Waters in 13th District Democratic primary
MACKINAC ISLAND — Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan plans to take the unusual step of endorsing a Democratic challenger to incumbent U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, announcing his support for At-Large Detroit City Councilmember Mary Waters, according to a source familiar with the plan.
Duggan's announcement planned for Thursday comes after the Wayne County Clerk knocked Adam Hollier from the Democratic primary ballot for the 13th Congressional District because a review found he failed to file the 1,000 valid voter signatures required under state election law to secure a spot. Hollier has filed an appeal with Michigan's elections bureau.
Unlike Hollier, Waters did not run against Thanedar in the crowded 2022 Democratic primary for the newly drawn 13th District. But Waters' campaign marks her fourth congressional bid. In launching her campaign earlier this year, she emphasized her support for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, cutting defense funding and increasing Social Security payments.
The source who confirmed Duggan's plans to endorse Waters requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the matter.
Sam Riddle — a political consultant for Waters' campaign — wouldn't confirm Duggan's support but told the Free Press Wednesday evening that he was working with the Mayor's office to set up a press conference where the Mayor will make an endorsement announcement.
He later sent out an email to members of the media noting that Duggan and Waters would hold a joint press conference on the porch of Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel Thursday during the Detroit Regional Chamber's annual policy conference.
"I will be honored to stand beside Mayor Duggan tomorrow after our discussion today," said Waters in a statement shared in the advisory. The press advisory didn't explicitly say that Duggan would endorse Waters but that he "will make an endorsement announcement."
Waters served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2001 to 2006. She became an at-large member of Detroit City Council in 2022. Riddle and Waters in 2010 pleaded guilty for their roles in conspiring to bribe a Southfield City Councilmember, the FBI said in a statement at the time. Waters, who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for filing a fraudulent tax return, was sentenced to probation.
Michigan Elections: Hollier knocked off ballot after amassing support to unseat Thanedar
The winner of the upcoming Aug. 6 primary will likely win the general election this fall to represent the heavily Democrat 13th District that spans part of Detroit, the Grosse Pointes and some Downriver communities.
Hollier once posed the most formidable challenge against Thanedar. He notched endorsements from prominent Democrats and Black faith leaders who want to see Black representation restored for Detroit. Thanedar defeated Hollier and a crowded field of other Democratic candidates in 2022. His election along with the reelection of U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, marked the first time Detroit didn't send a Black representative to Washington, D.C. in nearly 70 years.
Hollier's supporters previously called on voters to unite behind his candidacy in hopes of avoiding a repeat of the last election that split the Black vote among a crowded field of Democratic candidates.
Thanedar has expressed confidence voters in the district will reelect him. Attorney Shakira Lynn Hawkins has also filed to run against him.
Editorial Page Editor Nancy Kaffer contributed to this report
Contact Clara Hendrickson at [email protected] or 313-296-5743. Follow her on X, previously called Twitter, @clarajanehen.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Source: Mike Duggan to endorse Mary Waters