MI-13 Democratic nominee?
2dDonavan McKinney’s nomination odds jumped to 85% after fresh reporting on the narrowed two-candidate primary; that makes him the clear market favorite over Shri Thanedar.
83%27%
MI-13 Democratic nominee?
$49.5K
AUG 5, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age34 years old (Jun 16, 1992)
GenderMale
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LocationMichigan
BackgroundPolitician
EducationUniversity of Michigan (B.A.)
Notable personal detailsDonavan McKinney is an American politician serving in the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 11th House District (northeast Detroit and part of Warren). He previously worked in Michigan legislative and nonprofit roles and has been involved in labor and climate/energy advocacy, including service with SEIU Healthcare Michigan and appointments related to environmental justice in Michigan state government. He earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and has been a candidate for Michigan’s 13th congressional district.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orghousedems.comdonavanforcongress.comfec.govnationalnursesunited.orgmichiganlcv.orglegislature.mi.govpolymarket.commichigan.govballotready.orgpredictionedge.comsalon.comfront.moveon.orgcbsnews.commichiganrepublicanprimary.comhouse.mi.govassets.noviams.comdev.aauwmi.orgprogressivevotersguide.comrepbio.orgwdet.orgtrackbill.comwashingtonpost.commichiganchronicle.comsengov.comgovprofiles.comapnews.commdoe.state.mi.uslaw.justia.commckinneyimmigration.comdetroitonemillion.comcommondefense.usourrevolution.commichiganadvance.comworkingfamilies.orgthehill.comnews.ballotpedia.orgdetroitnews.comusatoday.combridgedetroit.comballotpedia.orgjewishinsider.commichiganfarmnews.comms.nowfacebook.comabdulforsenate.commedium.cominstagram.comjustfacts.votesmart.orgvotesmart.orghistory.house.govvoterguide.ballotpedia.orgwhitehouse.govfrontpage.ballotpedia.orgdocquery.fec.govcdn.ballotpedia.orgcreativecommons.orgwikidata.orghouse.govcongress.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Donavan McKinney supports expanding social and economic programs to help low‑income families and workers — including paid leave, expanded SNAP and Medicaid/Medicare benefits, free pre-K, and stronger labor rights — and emphasizes lowering costs (utilities, housing) and holding corporations accountable. His campaign and official profiles do not provide an explicit, detailed tax plan or clear statements about raising or cutting taxes on specific brackets or corporations.
Healthcare
Supports Medicare for All that ensures universal coverage including dental, vision, mental health, reproductive and abortion care, and community-based long-term support services. Advocates expanding Medicare/Medicaid benefits and making healthcare affordable and accessible for all. Positions emphasize comprehensive public healthcare as a right rather than market-based solutions.
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Immigration & Border
Supports a pathway to citizenship for immigrants, reforming the asylum process, shutting down for‑profit detention centers, and opposing mass deportations and internment; seeks to reduce barriers and bureaucracy to legal immigration.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports codifying federal abortion rights, protecting access to medication abortion, repealing the Hyde Amendment, and expanding access to abortion as part of reproductive freedom and health care policy.
Climate & Energy
Supports investments to protect clean water, air, and environmental justice in vulnerable communities and has advocated for accountability from utilities and relief for consumers. Has a history of climate-focused work (served as national political director for Climate Power and served on Michigan’s Environmental Justice Council) and accepts policy focused on clean-energy investment and community protections rather than explicit calls to immediately phase out fossil fuels.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports expanded gun safety measures including universal background checks, safe-storage laws, and red flag laws, and has sponsored bills restricting firearms in certain public contexts while backing community violence intervention and policing reforms. Emphasizes reducing gun violence through legislative reforms and community investment.
Latest Insights
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 4, 2026
Donavan McKinney is in the news because he is running in a competitive Democratic primary for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. The race has tightened into a two-candidate contest after two other candidates were disqualified, leaving McKinney to challenge incumbent Shri Thanedar ahead of the Aug. 4 primary. Thanedar still has a big cash advantage, but McKinney may benefit from the smaller field. McKinney was also recently seen campaigning with Bernie Sanders in Detroit.
en.wikipedia.org+59
Articles
MLM Live Michigan 8 days ago
Why Thanedar’s primary got tougher while Tlaib’s remains lopsided
Neutral
FNFox News2 months ago
Bernie Sanders campaigns with controversial Michigan Senate candidate
Neutral
TMThe Mercury News7 days ago
Goldberg: Democrats are done with caution
Neutral
TAThe Associated Press2 months ago
Michigan's aging population could have serious consequences
Neutral
Endorsements
MI-13 Democratic nominee?
Endorsers of Donavan McKinney for MI-13 Democratic nominee?
Michigan AFL-CIO / Michigan's labor movement
Labor organization
Michigan's labor movement endorsed Donavan McKinney for Congress.
Bernie Sanders
Public figure
Bernie Sanders backed Donavan McKinney in the 13th District race.
League of Conservation Voters Action Fund
Political organization
LCV Action Fund endorsed Donavan McKinney for the U.S. House in Michigan.
Common Defense
Public figure
Common Defense endorsed Donavan McKinney for Congress in Michigan's 13th District.
Future Dems PAC
Political organization
Future Dems PAC endorsed Donavan McKinney for Congress in Michigan's 13th District.
Equality Michigan Action Network
Public figure
Equality Michigan Action Network endorsed Donavan McKinney for Congress in Michigan's 13th District.
Young Democrats of Michigan
Public endorsement
Young Democrats of Michigan endorsed Donavan McKinney for Congress in Michigan's 13th Congressional District.
Working Families Party
Public figure
Working Families Party endorsed Donavan McKinney for the Democratic nomination in Michigan's 13th Congressional District.
National Nurses United
Public figure
National Nurses United endorsed Donavan McKinney for Michigan's 13th Congressional District.
David Hogg
Public figure
David Hogg endorsed Donavan McKinney against U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar.
Detroit Black political leaders
Public endorsement
Detroit Black political leaders backed Donavan McKinney over Shri Thanedar for Congress.
Wayne County Black Democratic leaders
Public endorsement
Wayne County Black Democratic leaders backed Donavan McKinney over Shri Thanedar for Congress.
Our Revolution
Public figure
Our Revolution endorsed Donavan McKinney for Congress in Michigan's 13th District.
Justice Democrats
Public figure
Justice Democrats endorsed Donavan McKinney for Michigan's 13th Congressional District primary.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$1.0M
$751.2K
$500.8K
$250.4K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$1.0M
$458.7K
$543.0K
$36.2K
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls