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Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has declared his support for a progressive primary challenger to Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), his first primary endorsement against an incumbent for the upcoming cycle.
Sanders announced his support for Michigan state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D) on Tuesday, giving him his second congressional endorsement after Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) endorsed him last month. Sanders said in a statement that McKinney understands the struggles that working class communities are facing in Detroit and across the country because he’s experienced them himself.
“A former union leader, he has dedicated his life to standing with working people, and is ready to lead the struggle against Donald Trump, the oligarchy, and the corporate interests who prioritize profits over people,” Sanders said. “I’m urging all Michiganders to join me in supporting Donavan’s campaign.”
Progressives are targeting Thanedar after he fended off a primary challenge last year despite facing heightened scrutiny from the left. But they’re hoping to be successful this time in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District.
McKinney has gone after Thanedar over his significant wealth and is seeking to depict him as an out-of-touch millionaire. He compared the two-term congressman to President Trump and Elon Musk in his campaign launch video and slammed the large amounts of money he lent himself during his last campaign.
“Senator Sanders has long been a progressive champion for working class Americans, and I am honored to receive his endorsement,” McKinney said in a statement. “His political courage and his commitment to doing the right thing — even when it’s unpopular, even when it’s hard, even if he’s alone — are a true inspiration to me, as is his commitment to fighting for a more just, more equal America.”
Thanedar initially ran as a progressive for his House seat in 2022 but has faced attacks from the left over his self-funding and other issues. He’s maintained that he hasn’t changed politically and remains popular in his district.
McKinney has also received support from the progressive group Justice Democrats.
