Progressive groups mobilize to challenge Democratic incumbents in Michigan primaries

Progressive factions, led by the Democratic Socialists of America, are targeting four pivotal Michigan races ahead of the primary, seeking to replace moderate Democrats and a Republican with more left-aligned candidates. In the Detroit-based 13th Congressional District, state Rep. Donavan McKinney is challenging incumbent Shri Thanedar, a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, with DSA endorsement. The DSA also supports incumbent Rashida Tlaib’s bid to retain her seat as a founding member of the “Squad.”

In the north-west 8th District, the group backs Kyle Blomquist in an effort to flip the seat held by Republican Jack Bergman, who won comfortably in 2024. Additionally, the far-left sees an opportunity in the competitive 7th District, where progressive hopefuls such as Sunrise Movement co-founder William Lawrence are running against Republican Tom Barrett. High-profile progressives, including Bernie Sanders, have campaigned in Michigan, viewing the state’s swing-state status as a proving ground for a broader leftward shift within the Democratic Party.