Democratic Rep. Shri Thanedar was unseated Tuesday by state Rep. Donavan McKinney, a candidate backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), in a primary election for Michigan's 13th District. McKinney's victory is the latest in a series of primary wins for progressive candidates across the country.
McKinney, who will be heavily favored in the general election against Republican T.P. Nykoriak, benefited from a consolidated field of opposition. This contrasts with past elections where Thanedar, seeking a third term, had faced challengers in split races.
Thanedar, a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, is a businessman who co-founded an Ann Arbor-based chemical testing lab in 2010. He has faced scrutiny over a facility he owned where approximately 170 dogs and dozens of monkeys were reportedly abandoned. He also drew criticism for using taxpayer money to fund billboards featuring himself.
Around the time McKinney entered the primary in April 2025, Thanedar initiated impeachment proceedings against then-President Trump, potentially anticipating a challenge from the left. McKinney's campaign received endorsements from prominent progressive figures, including "Squad" member Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
Thanedar joins a growing list of incumbent Democratic lawmakers who have lost to insurgent candidates in recent primaries. This group includes Reps. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) and Dan Goldman (D-NY), as well as Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.).