Sanders Reveals His New Endorsement
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), a self-described democratic socialist, is once again pushing the Democrat Party further left—this time by endorsing a far-left challenger to Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) in a heated Michigan primary battle.
Sanders officially backed Michigan state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D) on Tuesday, calling him a “fighter for the working class” and a “leader ready to take on Trump, corporate power, and the billionaire class.” McKinney, a former union organizer, has also received support from radical-left Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and the ultra-progressive group Justice Democrats.
This is Sanders’ first primary endorsement against a sitting Democrat this cycle, signaling a growing civil war within the Democrat Party—between traditional liberals and the rising socialist wing.
Progressives are targeting Thanedar for being, in their words, “too moderate,” despite his 2022 campaign branding itself as progressive. Critics on the left have attacked him for self-funding his campaign with millions of his own dollars and for being “too wealthy” to represent working families. In a recent campaign ad, McKinney even compared Thanedar to President Donald Trump and business leader Elon Musk—two figures highly admired by many Americans for their leadership and success, but vilified by the far left.
McKinney is campaigning on an aggressively socialist agenda, emphasizing government control, wealth redistribution, and union priorities. “Senator Sanders has shown political courage by standing with us,” McKinney said. “I’m proud to follow his example in fighting for a more equal and just America.”
Thanedar, however, insists he has not abandoned his core principles and continues to enjoy strong support in his district. Despite attacks from the radical wing of his party, he maintains that his record reflects real results—not rhetoric.
This primary battle in Michigan’s 13th District is shaping up to be more than just a local contest—it’s a high-stakes clash between moderate Democrats and the far-left fringe pushing for socialism, big government, and anti-business policies.
