Donavan McKinney, a congressional candidate backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, won his Democratic primary on Wednesday morning, unseating incumbent Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich.
From primary candidates in New York like socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier and her victory over incumbent Rep. Adriano Espillat, D-N.Y., the veteran chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, to Melat Kiros, another socialist in Colorado, unseating 30-year incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., DSA-backed candidates have expanded their influence over the party.
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They’ve even enjoyed victories over other progressives — like Thanedar.
Thanedar, while still a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has broken with the DSA on a few critical areas.
Most notably, Thanedar broke off his own membership with the DSA in October 2023 over his support for Israel.
“I can no longer associate with an organization unwilling to call out terrorism in all its forms. Sunday’s hate-filled and antisemitic rally in New York City, promoted by the NYC-DSA, makes it impossible for me to continue my affiliation. I stand with Israel and its right to defend itself,” Thanedar wrote in a statement after the Oct. 7 terror attacks that left 1,200 Israelis dead.
Right before the Fourth of July, Rep. Thanedar also said he agreed with U.S. exceptionalism when asked whether he was proud to be an American.
“This is a great country. You know, we are a country of immigrants. Immigrants have contributed so much to our country, and you know this is the greatest country on earth. I am so proud to call myself an American citizen, although there are some concerns with the new administration,” Thanedar said.
McKinney, for his own part, has listed affordability, environmental and climate justice, and getting money out of politics as among his top priorities.
During his campaign, he targeted Thanedar’s personal wealth, arguing the businessman wasn’t representative of his district’s lived experience. Thanedar bought a small chemical analysis lab in 1991 for $75,000, grew it into a multimillion-dollar business with multiple acquisitions, later founding and then selling Avomeen Analytical Services, a chemical testing company.
“We deserve a Democratic Party that leads the fight against the billionaires that are robbing us blind. That stands up to corporate PACs. Our country and our children can afford nothing less,” McKinney said in a campaign video.
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“People like our congressman, Shri Thanedar, are the problem. A multimillionaire who spent millions to buy a seat in Congress, who has more in common with Donald Trump and Elon Musk than people like us.”
Having captured the Democratic nomination, McKinney will go on to the general election on Nov. 3.
