Key facts
- Rep. Shri Thanedar lost his Democratic primary in Michigan's 13th Congressional District to challenger Donavan McKinney.
- McKinney secured 51.9% of the vote against Thanedar's 48.1%.
- A cryptocurrency-backed PAC, Protect Progress, spent over $2 million supporting Thanedar.
- McKinney's campaign focused on affordability and received support from progressive groups.
- Thanedar had previously voted for legislation favorable to the cryptocurrency industry.
Michigan State Representative Donavan McKinney won a Democratic primary against incumbent House Representative Shri Thanedar in a race that saw significant spending from a cryptocurrency-backed political action committee. McKinney secured 51.9% of the vote in Michigan's 13th Congressional District, defeating Thanedar, who garnered 48.1%. The cryptocurrency industry, through the PAC Protect Progress, reportedly spent over $2 million on media in an effort to re-elect Thanedar, who has a voting record favorable to the industry. McKinney, considered a progressive challenger, accused the crypto industry of seeking payback for Thanedar's legislative actions. Fairshake, a group backed by Coinbase and Ripple, is affiliated with Protect Progress and has invested heavily in the 2024 election cycle. McKinney stated his commitment to serving his constituents over corporate interests. He will face Republican candidate Taras Nykoriak in the general election.