Donavan McKinney Defeats Rep. Shri Thanedar

Shri Thanedar tried on nearly every identity available inside the Democratic Party. Detroit-area voters chose an unapologetic democratic socialist instead.

State Rep. Donavan McKinney defeated the two-term congressman in Michigan’s Democratic primary, according to an NBC News projection, delivering another victory to the progressive movement’s insurgency against the party establishment.

McKinney, 34, ran with support from prominent progressives in Michigan and across the country.

His platform includes “Medicare for All,” new restrictions on US military assistance to Israel and major government investments in housing and clean energy.

The win adds another scalp to the left’s growing collection, but the unusual political history of the district and its incumbent makes this result more complicated than a clean socialist-versus-establishment showdown.

Thanedar entered Congress presenting himself as a progressive after narrowly winning the seat in 2022 with substantial help from his own money.

His relationship with the Democratic Socialists of America collapsed the following year.

Thanedar says he resigned from the organization in 2023. The group’s local chapter maintains that he was expelled. He subsequently repositioned himself as a vocal supporter of Israel, placing him at odds with a progressive movement that has made opposition to Israeli military policy a defining issue.

Thanedar also irritated Democratic leaders with an unsanctioned attempt to impeach President Trump.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other senior Democrats still endorsed Thanedar ahead of Tuesday’s primary, placing the weight of the party leadership behind an incumbent who had previously gone rogue.

That support was not enough.

🚨 BREAKING: Rep. Shri Thanedar (D) OFFICIALLY loses his Congressional seat in Michigan’s 13th District — AP

Good riddance, CLOWN!

Thanedar tried impeachment President Trump, Pete Hegseth, and put FOREIGNERS FIRST

The Trump curse is real! 🤣🔥 pic.twitter.com/zyiwS2ztV8

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 5, 2026