DETROIT (AP) - A man who spent millions on an unsuccessful run for governor appears likely to get to the Capitol in another way.
Shri Thanedar was in first place in the Democratic primary for a seat in the House, with 98% of precincts reporting in the 3rd District. There were eight candidates in a district that typically supports the Democratic nominee in the fall.
Thanedar, who has made a fortune in business, spent more than $300,000 on the race, the Detroit Free Press reported. State lawmakers are paid $71,685 a year. Thanedar moved to Detroit from Ann Arbor.
He spent more than $10 million of his own money to run for governor in 2018 but finished third in the Democratic primary.
Thanedar said he started campaigning before the coronavirus outbreak, which gave him a chance to see people in person. He said he spent a lot of money on campaign staff and mailings about the virus.
Thanedar said his rags-to-riches story resonates with Detroit residents.
“I grew up poor in southern India, living in a small home where the roof leaked and the house had no running water and an outhouse 50 feet away,” he said.
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