Bernie Sanders-backed challenger takes on Thanedar in 13th District race

June 16, 2026

The Democratic primary race for Michigan's 13th Congressional District pits progressive State Representative Donavan McKinney against incumbent Representative Shri Thanedar in a contest that highlights ideological divisions within the party. McKinney, a 34-year-old Detroit native endorsed by Bernie Sanders, is focusing his campaign on economic affordability for constituents in what is the sixth-poorest district nationally, while Thanedar, a wealthy businessman with $5 million in campaign funds, has secured support from Democratic House leadership. Two other Democratic challengers and two Republican candidates were disqualified from the ballot but are continuing as write-in candidates, though political experts consider write-in campaigns unlikely to succeed.

Who is affected

Residents of Michigan's 13th Congressional District (spanning from Grosse Pointe to Romulus, the sixth-poorest district in the country)
Rep. Shri Thanedar (71-year-old incumbent seeking re-election)
State Rep. Donavan McKinney (34-year-old challenger)
Detroit City Council Member Mary Waters (disqualified candidate running as write-in)
John Goci (disqualified candidate running as write-in)
T.P. Nykoriak (Republican candidate)
Raphiel King and Martell Bivings (Republicans running as write-ins)
Maurice Morton (Independent candidate)
Detroit residents who have been without Black representation in Congress since Thanedar's 2022 election
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (supporting Democratic incumbents)
Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan (endorsed Waters in 2024)

What action is being taken

McKinney is running an affordability-centric campaign focusing on universal child care, Medicare for All, and removing corporate money from politics
Thanedar is campaigning on lowered costs, reproductive rights, voting rights, opposing President Trump, clean water, stronger infrastructure, and constituent services
Waters is continuing her campaign as a write-in candidate and actively fundraising after being disqualified from the ballot
Goci is running as a write-in candidate after disqualification
McKinney is working to "out-organize" and "out-hustle" Thanedar in the community despite being financially outmatched
Thanedar is using his congressional office allowance for advertising to communicate with constituents
Both Thanedar and McKinney are opposing the planned ICE detention center in Romulus

Why it matters

This race represents a test of the Democratic Party's ideological direction in Detroit, with a progressive Sanders-backed candidate challenging a well-funded establishment incumbent. The contest highlights critical tensions within the party over campaign finance reform, corporate influence, and progressive policies like Medicare for All. For Detroit specifically, the race carries historical significance as the city has been without Black congressional representation for the first time in nearly 70 years since Thanedar's 2022 victory. The outcome will determine whether voters in one of America's poorest districts prioritize economic populism and grassroots organizing over establishment support and substantial campaign resources. The race also reflects broader national debates about immigration policy, foreign aid, and the influence of money in politics, particularly given Thanedar's extensive use of personal wealth and his acceptance of corporate PAC donations despite advocating for campaign finance reform.

What's next

The primary election will be held on August 4
The next campaign finance disclosure deadline is July 15
The November general election will follow, where the Democratic nominee is expected to win easily given the district's heavily Democratic makeup
Waters said if elected, she would train someone to succeed her rather than hold the seat indefinitely

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com