DSA-backed candidate topples millionaire Dem incumbent

By Fox News · Fox News

Donavan McKinney, a congressional candidate backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, won his Democratic primary on Wednesday morning, unseating incumbent Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich. From primary candidates in New York like socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier and her victory over incumbent Rep. Adriano Espillat, D-N.Y., the veteran chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, to Melat Kiros, another socialist in Colorado, unseating 30-year incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., DSA-backed candidates have expanded their influence over the party. BERNIE SANDERS, DSA REVEAL DEMANDS FOR DEM PARTY AFTER SOCIALISTS SWEEP NEW YORK ELECTIONS They’ve even enjoyed victories over other progressives — like Thanedar. Thanedar, while still a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus , has broken with the DSA on a few critical areas. Most notably, Thanedar broke off his own membership with the DSA in October 2023 over his support for Israel. "I can no longer associate with an organization unwilling to call out terrorism in all its forms. Sunday’s hate-filled and antisemitic rally in New York City, promoted by the NYC-DSA, makes it impossible for me to continue my affiliation. I stand with Israel and its right to defend itself," Thanedar wrote in a statement after the Oct. 7 terror attacks that left 1,200 Israelis dead. Right before the Fourth of July, Rep. Thanedar also said he agreed with U.S. exceptionalism when asked whether he was proud to be an American. FORMER BERNIE SANDERS OFFICIAL ACCUSES SENATOR OF PUSHING MOST ANTISEMITIC CANDIDATES 'IN A GENERATION' "This is a great country. You know, we are a country of immigrants. Immigrants have contributed so much to our country, and you know this is the greatest country on earth. I am so proud to call myself an American citizen, although there are some concerns with the new administration," Thanedar said. McKinney, for his own part, has listed affordability, environmental…