Socialist challenger seeks to reclaim Detroit’s Black congressional seat from incumbent Thanedar

In the upcoming Democratic primary for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, State Rep. Donavan McKinney, a Black socialist recruited by the Democratic Socialists of America and Justice Democrats, is challenging incumbent Shri Thanedar. McKinney has secured endorsements from leading members of the Congressional Black Caucus such as Ilhan Omar, Lateefah Simon, Ayanna Pressley, Summer Lee and former one outlet chair Steven Horsford.

Thanedar, who renounced his DSA affiliation after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, previously won the seat with just 28% of the vote, ending a 50-year streak of Black representation. A Detroit News/WDIV poll indicates only about 43% of Black voters would consider a Democratic socialist, versus nearly 59% of white voters. Thanedar enjoys a cash reserve exceeding $5 million, while McKinney’s campaign finances are modest despite spending over $2.2 million. The district, rated solidly Democratic and majority-Black, makes the racial and ideological split a decisive factor in the Aug. 4 contest.