MI-13 Democratic nominee?
$110.2K
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
Positions
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
Donavan McKinney is in the news because he is challenging incumbent Shri Thanedar in Michigan’s 13th District Democratic primary, which is now a two-candidate race after two other contenders were disqualified. The race is expected to be competitive, though Thanedar still has a big cash advantage. McKinney has also appeared at a Detroit campaign event with Bernie Sanders, highlighting support from the party’s left wing.
Why Thanedar’s primary got tougher while Tlaib’s remains lopsided
Bernie Sanders campaigns with controversial Michigan Senate candidate
Goldberg: Democrats are done with caution
Michigan's aging population could have serious consequences
Endorsements
Endorsers of Donavan McKinney for MI-13 Democratic nominee?
Michigan AFL-CIO
Labor organization
The Michigan AFL-CIO endorsed Donavan McKinney for Congress.
Common Defense
Public figure
Common Defense endorsed Donavan McKinney for Congress in Michigan's 13th District.
Future Democrats of America PAC
Political organization
Future Democrats of America PAC endorsed Donavan McKinney for Congress.
Future Democrats of America PAC
Political organization
Future Democrats of America PAC endorsed Donavan McKinney for Congress in Michigan's 13th District.
Common Defense
Public figure
Common Defense endorsed Donavan McKinney for Congress in Michigan's 13th District.
Working Families Party
Public figure
The Working Families Party endorsed Donavan McKinney for the Democratic nomination for Michigan's 13th Congressional District.
LCV Action Fund
Political organization
LCV Action Fund endorsed Donavan McKinney for U.S. House in Michigan's 13th 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.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls