Jewish Voter Guide
Donavan McKinney
U.S. House · MI · Democrat · District 13
Summary
The Democratic nominee for Michigan's 13th District, which covers much of Detroit and nearby suburbs, McKinney is heavily favored in November and expected to join the House in 2027. A state representative and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, he defeated incumbent Representative Shri Thanedar, winning by roughly 52 percent to 48 percent.
The record
Positions come from public votes, statements and on-the-record interviews. Every claim links to its source. No aggregate score or grade.
Position on military aid and Gaza
The Palestine section of McKinney's campaign platform pledges to end the military aid and arms that the United States provides to Israel and to support the Block the Bombs Act, which would bar the sale of certain weapons to Israel. He has said that Israel committed genocide in Gaza, writing that Israel needs to immediately end the genocide and release all detained Palestinians.
Alignment and campaign context
McKinney was endorsed by Senator Sanders, Representative Tlaib, and Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, with whom he campaigned, and he is aligned with the Metro Detroit chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.
Sources
- Position on military aid and Gaza — Palestine platform, end military aid, Block the Bombs, "immediately end the genocide," UNRWA and humanitarian access: https://www.timesofisrael.com/anti-israel-michigan-state-rep-mckinney-defeats-sympathetic-incumbent-in-us-house-primary/
- Position on military aid and Gaza — Jerusalem Post, McKinney has said Israel committed genocide in Gaza https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-901856
- Position on military aid and Gaza — Targeting of Israel-supporters: https://jewishinsider.com/2026/07/shri-thanedar-donavan-mckinney-michigan-democrats/
A note on methodology. This guide is published as an educational reference. The American Jewish Congress does not endorse candidates and does not publish aggregate scores. If you spot a position that needs an update or a better source, please reach the office.