U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has endorsed Michigan state Rep. Donavan McKinney in his Democratic primary challenge against U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. The endorsement, announced June 17, boosts McKinney’s profile in the race, adding to earlier support from U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib.
Sanders, a leading progressive voice, praised McKinney as a working-class leader committed to raising the minimum wage, expanding public education and housing, and pursuing universal health care. “Donavan is exactly the type of leader we need in Washington,” Sanders said, citing McKinney’s personal experience with economic hardship.
Thanedar, a self-funded entrepreneur who entered Congress in 2023, has defended his record amid criticism from progressives over constituent services and use of taxpayer-funded promotional materials. McKinney has drawn contrasts with Thanedar, arguing that the congressman is out of touch with one of the nation’s poorest districts.
Sanders’ backing may further energize progressive support for McKinney ahead of the 2024 primary.