QnA: Hollier on Dropping Congressional Bid, Corporate Influence and War in Gaza

September 11, 2025

Former Michigan State Senator Adam Hollier announced he's dropping out of the 13th Congressional District race to instead run for Michigan Secretary of State, as revealed in an interview on the Eastside Community Network's Black Detroit Democracy Podcast. Hollier emphasized his goal of protecting voter rights and expanding Michigan's elections, citing his military background and legislative experience as qualifications that distinguish him from other candidates. He discussed his stance on several contentious issues, including declining to call Israel's actions in Gaza a genocide and not committing to refuse corporate PAC money.

Who is affected

Voters in Michigan, particularly regarding election administration and voting rights
Residents of Michigan's 13th Congressional District
Democratic primary voters who will select nominees for Secretary of State and Congress
State Rep. Donavan McKinney and other potential challengers to Rep. Shri Thanedar
Black representation in Congress, which Hollier explicitly mentioned as important
Palestinians in Gaza, in relation to Hollier's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict

What action is being taken

Adam Hollier is actively running for Michigan Secretary of State after dropping his Congressional bid
Hollier is campaigning on protecting voter rights and expanding Michigan's elections
Hollier is positioning himself against potential Trump administration policies regarding elections
All Democratic candidates for Secretary of State, including Hollier, are pledging to increase the state's transparency
The Gaza Health Ministry is tracking Palestinian casualties, which they estimate at more than 64,000 killed

Why it matters

The race impacts who will administer and protect Michigan's elections during a contentious political period
Hollier's decision reshapes the 13th Congressional District race against incumbent Rep. Thanedar
The Secretary of State position is crucial for determining election policies and voter access in Michigan
The candidates' stances on corporate PAC money reflect broader Democratic Party debates about campaign finance
Hollier's position on the Israel-Gaza conflict differs from other Democratic candidates, highlighting divisions within the party on this issue
Michigan is one of only two states that doesn't subject its legislature and governor's office to public records requests, making transparency pledges significant

What's next

The Democratic nominee for Secretary of State will be determined by the state party at its nominating convention next year
No explicit next steps stated in the article regarding Hollier's specific campaign activities

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle