Former DNC Vice Chair Backs McKinney for Congress

October 10, 2025

David Hogg, founder of Leaders We Deserve PAC and former DNC vice chair, has announced support for state Rep. Donavan McKinney's challenge against incumbent U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar in Michigan's 13th Congressional District.

Who is affected

Constituents in Michigan's 13th Congressional District (parts of Detroit, the Grosse Points, and Downriver communities)
U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar (incumbent)
State Rep. Donavan McKinney (challenger)
Black residents of Detroit who previously had Black congressional representation
Voters in the district who will choose between the candidates

What action is being taken

David Hogg and his PAC "Leaders We Deserve" are supporting McKinney's challenge to Thanedar
Black leaders from Wayne County are backing McKinney's bid to unseat Thanedar
Thanedar is defending himself against criticisms by pointing to his electoral success and work on issues like healthcare and immigration
Leaders We Deserve PAC is also supporting candidates in congressional races in Texas and California

Why it matters

The race concerns representation for Detroit, which had a 70-year streak of Black congressional representation until Thanedar's election
It highlights tensions within the Democratic Party about what makes an effective representative
It demonstrates efforts to hold elected officials accountable for campaign promises and performance in office
The race raises questions about constituent services and how taxpayer dollars are spent by elected officials

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle