DSA-Endorsed Dem House Hopeful: Politics Is About ‘Redistribution of Resources’

July 20th, 2026 1:43 PM

Donavan McKinney, a far-left contender seeking to oust Congressman Shri Thanedar as Democrats’ candidate for a Detroit-area congressional district, says that he defines politics as “the redistribution of resources.”

On the May 5th episode of the podcast, “For the safe of the Argument with Lori Goldman,” McKinney, who is currently a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, stated that he defined politics as about “the redistribution of resources”:

“And I believe how I define politics is the redistribution of resources, black and white. There’s no grey area. If you’re in these positions and you’re not figuring out some way to bring home the bacon and bring home resources, then I need you to get out of here”

On the podcast, he touted his appropriations record in the Michigan state house, but he does not indicate from where he intends to redistribute the resources, though his endorsement by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) on Monday indicates potential recipients

Last week, DSA released its platform, which includes its intent to implement many programs designed to redistribute resources. Among these is its intent to “Finish Reconstruction” by enacting reparations (presumably for slavery and discrimination). The plan also includes redistributing land to American Indians, providing free (taxpayer-funded) college, universal free healthcare, and “Economic Democracy,” which entails the establishment of a wealth tax and public (government) ownership of large corporations.

DSA policy requires that candidates it endorses must support the DSA platform, according to its National Political Education Committee Chair, Michaela Brangan, in its platform release video:

“This is actually something that we committed to at convention, having our endorsed candidates supporting the program. It’s a requirement now. So that’ll be incorporated into our endorsement process …”

The Michigan primary will be held on August 4th and will be on the same ballot as the contentious U.S. Michigan Senate Democrat Primary between Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) and far-left progressive Abdul El-Sayed.