DETROIT, Mich. (Diya TV) — Michigan state Rep. Donavan McKinney defeated U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar in the Democratic primary for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, marking one of the biggest congressional primary upsets in the state this election cycle.
The Associated Press called the race for McKinney at 9:55 a.m. Wednesday. With 99% of votes counted, unofficial results showed McKinney winning 51.9% of the vote, while Thanedar secured 48.1%.
McKinney’s victory puts him in a strong position to win the general election in the heavily Democratic district. The district covers parts of Detroit and nearby communities, including Allen Park, Hamtramck, Romulus and Wyandotte.
Following the victory, McKinney thanked voters and pledged to continue fighting for local families. He said the result reflected the community’s desire for leadership focused on everyday people.
“Detroit, I am honored beyond measure to be your Democratic nominee to represent the Mighty 13th in Congress,” McKinney said in a statement. He added that his campaign showed how staying connected with voters can help move the Democratic Party forward while addressing division and protecting local communities.
The race attracted national attention because it featured a sitting member of Congress facing a strong challenge from within his own party. Moreover, both candidates received support from influential Democratic leaders.
The first Indian American member of Congress elected from Michigan, Thanedar earned the endorsement of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Meanwhile, McKinney gained backing from several progressive members of the Congressional Black Caucus. His supporters included Reps. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Summer Lee of Pennsylvania. He also received endorsements from fellow Michigan Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib and independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.
Despite the loss, Thanedar congratulated McKinney after the race.
“I want to congratulate Representative Donavan McKinney on a hard-fought race,” Thanedar wrote in a Facebook statement. He thanked voters for allowing him to serve the district and highlighted accomplishments during his time in Congress. Thanedar pointed to more than 4,300 constituent cases his office handled, about $45 million in funding secured for projects across the district, and his efforts to oppose President Donald Trump’s administration. He also said he would complete the remainder of his term and wished McKinney success.
The outcome surprised many political observers because Thanedar held a significant financial advantage throughout the campaign. According to campaign finance reports, the incumbent raised about $390,276 during the election cycle and reported roughly $5 million in cash on hand.
McKinney, by comparison, raised about $1.37 million during the campaign and reported nearly $142,853 in available funds. Even with a much smaller campaign account, he built enough voter support to defeat the incumbent.
The result also reflected the importance of grassroots organizing and endorsements in a district where Democratic voters play the deciding role. In addition, McKinney focused his campaign on issues affecting working families and neighborhood investment.
The Democratic National Committee quickly celebrated the victory. DNC Chair Ken Martin praised McKinney’s record in the Michigan Legislature and described him as a leader committed to lowering costs, improving health care and expanding opportunities for families.
“As a Detroit native who is serving his community in the Michigan Legislature, Donavan has spent his career fighting to expand opportunity for working families, lower costs, improve healthcare, and invest in local neighborhoods,” Martin said in a statement. He added that the national party would work alongside McKinney to support working families.
Looking ahead, McKinney enters the general election as the clear favorite. Michigan’s 13th Congressional District has long supported Democratic candidates, making the Democratic nominee the front-runner in November.
The district’s only Republican candidate, T.P. Nykoriak, was sentenced in 2016 to 16 months in federal prison after stealing U.S. savings bonds from a church. As a result, political analysts expect McKinney to have a strong advantage in the general election.
With the primary now decided, attention will shift to the November election. However, McKinney’s victory already stands as a major political development in Michigan. His win ends Thanedar’s bid for a third term and opens the door for new Democratic leadership in one of Detroit’s most reliably Democratic congressional districts.
