Michigan State Representative Donavan McKinney won a Democratic primary against incumbent House Representative Shri Thanedar in Michigan's 13th Congressional District with 51.9% of the vote as of Wednesday, the New York Times reported. The race drew attention after cryptocurrency-backed political action committee Protect Progress spent more than $2 million on media supporting Thanedar, who voted in favor of many crypto industry bills while in Congress. McKinney accused the crypto industry of paying back Thanedar for supporting policies that allegedly helped Trump generate over $1 billion since taking office, reflecting broader tensions over cryptocurrency companies' political spending patterns that reached $170 million in the 2024 US election cycle.
McKinney Secures 51.9% Victory Over Thanedar in Michigan Primary
McKinney won the primary for Michigan's 13th Congressional District with 51.9% of the vote against Thanedar's 48.1% as of Wednesday, the New York Times reported. The two-term incumbent Thanedar lost despite receiving substantial financial backing from cryptocurrency industry groups during the campaign.
Protect Progress Spent $2 Million Supporting Thanedar Campaign
Protect Progress, the super PAC responsible for funding ads supporting Thanedar and opposing McKinney, is affiliated with Fairshake, a group backed primarily by crypto companies Coinbase and Ripple. After spending more than $170 million in the 2024 US election cycle on races involving pro- and anti-crypto candidates, Fairshake and its affiliates poured additional millions of dollars into media for politicians in this year's primaries in several US states ahead of the November general election.
Thanedar Voted for GENIUS Act and Lost $600,000 on Crypto Investments
In addition to voting for bills like the GENIUS Act and CLARITY Act in the House of Representatives, Thanedar lost more than $600,000 in the second quarter of 2026 after investing $3.7 million of campaign funds into crypto companies, The Intercept reported. His voting record on cryptocurrency legislation became a focal point during the primary campaign.
McKinney Receives Democratic National Committee Support After Primary Win
McKinney, considered by many to be a progressive challenger, received support from the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Socialists of America on his primary victory. "Washington has spent too long serving billionaires and corporate interests," McKinney said in a Wednesday X post. "I will always only serve the people I represent."
McKinney to Face Republican Taras Nykoriak in November Election
McKinney will face off against Republican candidate Taras Nykoriak in the November election. In Washington's 4th congressional district, the Fairshake affiliate Defend American Jobs spent more than $65,000 on media to support Republican Amanda McKinney, who will face Democrat John Duresky in November after both candidates secured more than 30% of the vote in Tuesday's primary.
FAQ
What percentage of votes did Donavan McKinney receive in the Michigan primary?
Donavan McKinney won the Democratic primary for Michigan's 13th Congressional District with 51.9% of the vote against incumbent Shri Thanedar's 48.1% as of Wednesday, according to the New York Times.
How much did crypto PACs spend supporting Shri Thanedar's campaign?
Protect Progress, a super PAC affiliated with Fairshake and backed by crypto companies Coinbase and Ripple, spent more than $2 million on media supporting Thanedar and opposing McKinney during the primary race.
How much money did Shri Thanedar lose on crypto investments?
Thanedar lost more than $600,000 in the second quarter of 2026 after investing $3.7 million of campaign funds into crypto companies, according to The Intercept.
