Justice Democrats, a progressive organization known for supporting candidates like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, announced its endorsement of Michigan State Representative Donavan McKinney. McKinney, a 32-year-old from Detroit, aims to challenge incumbent Shri Thanedar in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District.
McKinney, raised in a working-class family, expressed pride in receiving the endorsement, emphasizing his commitment to addressing issues affecting working-class citizens. He criticized the influence of wealthy individuals in politics and highlighted his personal experiences with housing insecurity and poverty wages as motivating factors for his congressional bid.
Having moved 13 times during his childhood, McKinney became the first in his family to earn a college degree. He advanced to leadership roles in SEIU Healthcare Michigan, the state’s largest healthcare union, before being elected to Michigan’s 11th State House District in 2022 and re-elected in 2024.
In his campaign, McKinney positions himself against Thanedar, criticizing the latter’s connections with corporate donors and his perceived lack of district services. While Thanedar is noted for substantial personal campaign spending, McKinney’s campaign intends to focus on community needs and equitable political representation.
Justice Democrats view McKinney’s campaign as a strategic offensive move, following a period of defensive campaigning against well-funded challengers. The group’s executive director, Alexandra Rojas, stated that McKinney embodies the working-class leadership needed in the Democratic Party.
This campaign marks a significant endeavor for Justice Democrats, aligning with their history of challenging established Democrats they see as out of touch with everyday citizens.
