Indian-American politician Shri Thanedar received a major impetus to his Congressional campaign after his opponent Adam Hollier was disqualified from contesting the primary race in the 13th district.
Wayne County Clerk Cathy Garrett on May.21 stamped Hollier's disqualification in the absence of the necessary number of valid voter signatures.
"I am adopting the staff's recommendation and hereby determine the nominating petitions are insufficient in number to allow candidate Adam Hollier's name to appear on the Aug.6, 2024 primary election ballot for the office of US Representative in Congress - 13th District," Garett wrote to Thanedar in an office letter dated May.21.
Thanedar had challenged the nomination process of Hollier.
Hollier had only collected 863 valid signatures out of 1553 submitted, according to investigation findings from Garrett's staff while the mandate was for 1,000 voter signatures. The staff report said many signatures had similar handwriting.
Following the development, Hollier expressed his disappointment in a post on X where he also shared an extended formal statement.
"I am extremely disappointed with the news from the Wayne County clerk following her thorough and professional review of our petitions ― not for myself, but for the voters across the 13th District who deserve a real choice in who their next Congressperson will be," Hollier wrote.
"While I put my trust in someone who let us down in the collection of signatures, ultimately the leadership of the campaign falls on me and I must hold myself to a higher standard. It is also clear that our state's system of ballot access and petition collection is sorely in need of reform — so that future campaigns, as well as the voters of this state, do not fall victim to fraud," he said.
My statement on the decision from the Wayne County Clerk today. I am grateful for all of the love, support, and encouragement I have received over these recent weeks from so many of you, and will have more to say soon. pic.twitter.com/s9pkgCKZch
— Adam Hollier (@Adamant4Detroit) May 22, 2024
Commenting on Garrett's order, PTI quoted Thanedar as saying: "Clerk Garrett agreed that Adam did not have enough signatures to get on the ballot and upheld the rule of law. I personally collected hundreds of signatures and enjoyed talking to my constituents directly and listening to their concerns."
"I look forward to a vigorous campaign with those on the ballot as I will continue to talk about my record and accomplishments for the 13th District. I'm confident that the voters will put their faith in me for another term," the Indian-American Congressman added.
Detroit, which comprises an 80 percent Black population, had at least some representation from the Black community for 70 years until 2023. This latest decision is expected to come as a major blow for them.
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