Progressive Activist David Hogg Backs Challenger Against Shri Thanedar

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Shri Thanedar (D-MI) is facing a primary challenge from state Representative Donavan McKinney, who on October 6 received an endorsement from Democratic activist David Hogg’s group, Leaders We Deserve.

 Hogg’s political activism and his group Leaders We Deserve reflect a growing ideological divide within the Democratic Party. His organization focuses on replacing establishment or centrist Democrats with younger, more progressive candidates who emphasize issues like gun reform, climate action, and campaign finance transparency.

The endorsement marks the first time Hogg’s organization has supported a challenger to a sitting Democratic member of Congress. In a statement, Hogg called Thanedar “out of touch, ineffective, and out for himself,” saying the Detroit congressman has failed to deliver for his constituents.

He said the decision to back McKinney reflects the group’s commitment to replacing incumbents who, in his words, “betray the values they ran on.” “This is our first incumbent challenge,” Hogg said. “It won’t be our last.”

Leaders We Deserve has also endorsed Akbar Ali  in Georgia’s State House District 106. Both McKinney and Akbar represent what Hogg described as a “new generation of leaders” focused on accountability and community-based representation.