In August, progressive challengers won Democratic primaries across southeast Michigan.

One of the races that drew big national money was the fight for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. That area, which includes parts of Detroit, Downriver and western Wayne County, is where state Representative Donavan McKinney defeated the incumbent Congressman Shri Thanedar 52-48.

McKinney, a Democratic Socialist, ran on Medicare for all, universal childcare, and getting money out of politics. He faces Republican T.P. Nykoriak on Nov. 3.

By the Congressional Research Service’s count, more than 1 in 4 people in the 13th district live in poverty. That’s among the highest rates of any district in the country.

So the question is: What can McKinney actually deliver if he’s elected in November?

The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent spoke with candidate Donavan McKinney to discuss his goals for the position.

Clarification: During the conversation, Rep. McKinney said he made history as one of Macomb County’s first Black state lawmakers. That was true of him and State Representative Kimberly Edwards.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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