Donavan McKinney, a Michigan state representative, announced Monday that he is launching a primary challenge to Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., making him the first candidate running in the 2026 Democratic primaries with the backing of Justice Democrats, a group that has promoted progressive, working-class candidates since 2018.
McKinney was first elected to the Michigan state House in 2022, representing the 14th district. Following redistricting, he was re-elected to represent the 14th in 2024, which lies just north of Detroit. Now he’s running for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, which encompasses some of the city and the surrounding area.
