Justice Democrats Make First Endorsement Of 2026 Cycle, Back Candidate Against Thanedar

India-West News Desk

DETROIT, MI – Justice Democrats have made their first endorsement of the 2026 election cycle, throwing their support behind Michigan State Rep. Donavan McKinney in his challenge to U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar in the Democratic primary for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. McKinney’s campaign sets up a high-profile primary fight against Thanedar, who is seeking a third term.

McKinney, 32, who represents Detroit in the Michigan House and was first elected in 2022, joins former state Sen. Adam Hollier in taking on Thanedar who was first elected to Congress in 2022 after winning a crowded Democratic primary. The way the district is, it is expected that whoever wins the Democratic primary in August will eventually go to Washington.

In announcing his run, McKinney drew a sharp contrast between himself and Thanedar, highlighting economic differences. “I’m not running for Congress because I’m a millionaire or a billionaire,” McKinney said, drawing a comparison between Thanedar’s wealth and that of figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. “I’m running because I’m not.”

Thanedar ahs been the subject of progressive criticism after distancing himself from the party’s left wing. He is of course wealthy but has known abject poverty, hardship and loss. And he has made a point of explaining that saying that’s why he cares about education, universal healthcare and jobs. He has also defended his record by pointing to the millions in federal funding he says he has delivered to one of the poorest congressional districts in the nation.

Justice Democrats, who support progressive candidates at all levels of government, have previously helped launch figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to national prominence.