McKinney

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.

McKinney, 32, told Salon that he wants the party to understand the “needs of everyday people” and for that to serve as its “North Star” in 2026 and beyond.

In the state House, McKinney has championed community violence intervention programs and public schools.

Thanedar, McKinney's opponent, is a 70-year-old businessman and author first elected to the House in 2022.