Polling Average
60%50%40%30%20%10%0%
42%
46%
Democrat
Donavan McKinney
Democrat
Donavan McKinney
MI-13 Democratic nominee?
$188.2K
AUG 5, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age34 years old (Jun 16, 1992)
LocationMichigan
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BackgroundPolitician
EducationUniversity of Michigan (B.A.)
Notable personal detailsDonavan McKinney is a Democratic politician serving in the Michigan House of Representatives, first elected in 2022 and serving since January 1, 2023. He represented Michigan House District 14 (2023–2024) and represents District 11 (2025–present). He earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan and has worked in legislative and community/union organizing roles. He is a candidate for the U.S. House in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District in the 2026 election cycle.
SourcesShowHide
fec.goven.wikipedia.orgmichiganvotes.orgfront.moveon.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orghouse.mi.govbocmacomb.orglegislation.ballotpedia.orgindivisible.orgdocquery.fec.govusvotefoundation.orglegislature.mi.govjusticedemocrats.comballotclarity.orglinkedin.commichiganadvance.comdev.aauwmi.orgreddit.comwaynegov.comdonavanforcongress.comprogressivevotersguide.comhousedems.comrepbio.orgwdet.orgtrackbill.comnationalnursesunited.orgwashingtonpost.commichiganchronicle.comsengov.comgovprofiles.comapnews.commdoe.state.mi.uslaw.justia.commckinneyimmigration.comdetroitonemillion.commetrotimes.comcommondefense.usinstagram.commiaflcio.orgabdulforsenate.comworkingfamilies.orglcv.orgthehill.comdetroitnews.comourrevolution.comaxios.comfreep.combridgedetroit.comfoxnews.comjewishinsider.comnewsnationnow.comjustfacts.votesmart.orgvotesmart.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orgcreativecommons.orgwikidata.orgdonate.ballotpedia.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.orghouse.govapi.votesmart.orgstatic.votesmart.orggovinfo.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.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 24, 2026
Donavan McKinney is in the news for his challenge to Rep. Shri Thanedar in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District Democratic primary. The race has tightened into a two-candidate contest after two other candidates were disqualified, and McKinney is now trying to overcome Thanedar’s cash advantage ahead of the Aug. 4 primary. He has also appeared alongside Bernie Sanders at a Detroit campaign event, reflecting his place in the party’s left wing.
fec.gov+61
Articles
MLM Live Michigan 1 month ago
Why Thanedar’s primary got tougher while Tlaib’s remains lopsided
Neutral
WEWashington Examiner3 days ago
The socialists running for office across America
Neutral
FNFox News3 months ago
Bernie Sanders campaigns with controversial Michigan Senate candidate
Neutral
TMThe Mercury News30 days ago
Goldberg: Democrats are done with caution
Neutral
Polls
MI-13 Democratic nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
MI-13 Democratic nominee?
Endorsers of Donavan McKinney for MI-13 Democratic nominee?
Michigan AFL-CIO
Labor organization
The Michigan AFL-CIO endorsed Donavan McKinney for Congress.
LCV Action Fund
Political organization
LCV Action Fund endorsed Donavan McKinney for U.S. House in Michigan's 13th District.
Summer Lee
Public figure
Summer Lee endorsed Donavan McKinney in his challenge to Shri Thanedar.
Michigan Chronicle
Public figure
Michigan Chronicle endorsed Donavan McKinney in Michigan's 13th District race.
Future Democrats of America PAC
Political organization
Future Democrats of America PAC endorsed Donavan McKinney for Congress.
Common Defense
Public figure
Common Defense endorsed Donavan McKinney for Congress in Michigan's 13th District.
Democratic Socialists of America
Public endorsement
Metro Detroit DSA endorsed Donavan McKinney for Congress.
Abdul El-Sayed
Public endorsement
Abdul El-Sayed endorsed Donavan McKinney in his congressional race.
Working Families Party
Public figure
The Working Families Party endorsed Donavan McKinney for the Democratic nomination for Michigan's 13th Congressional District.
National Nurses United
Public figure
National Nurses United endorsed Donavan McKinney for Michigan's 13th District.
Detroit Black political leaders
Public endorsement
Detroit Black political leaders rallied behind Donavan McKinney.
Michigan Democratic Black leaders
Public endorsement
Michigan Democratic Black 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.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$1.4M
$1.0M
$686.2K
$343.1K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$1.4M
$142.9K
$1.2M
$64.7K
Source: FEC