Justice Democrats Back Primary Challenge Against Rep. Thanedar in Michigan

Progressive group Justice Democrats has launched its first primary challenge of the 2026 cycle, endorsing Michigan state Rep. Donavan McKinney against incumbent Rep. Shri Thanedar in Detroit's 13th Congressional District. The move highlights broader efforts by progressives to unseat Democratic incumbents they view as insufficiently aligned with their agenda, particularly criticizing Thanedar—a multimillionaire who has heavily self-funded his campaigns—for being out of touch with Detroit's majority-Black community. McKinney, a Detroit native and former union leader, contrasts his working-class background with Thanedar's wealth and pledges to prioritize issues such as housing insecurity, wage stagnation, and environmental justice. Justice Democrats characterize the primary as emblematic of their fight against wealthy self-funded candidates and corporate influence within the Democratic Party. The race also reflects ongoing divisions over issues like the Israel-Gaza conflict, following Thanedar's resignation from the Democratic Socialists of America. McKinney's candidacy adds to a growing trend of progressive challenges to party establishment figures in upcoming elections.