Crypto-Backed PAC's Multi-Million Dollar Bet Fails in Michigan Congressional Primary

A Democratic primary in Michigan's 13th Congressional District saw Donavan McKinney defeat incumbent House Representative Shri Thanedar, despite a $2 million PAC-supported campaign to re-elect Thanedar. The cryptocurrency-backed Protect Progress PAC spent heavily on media to support Thanedar, who has voted in favor of bills benefiting the industry.

Thanedar's voting record has been criticized by McKinney, who accused the crypto industry of 'paying my opponent back for helping Trump make over $1 billion since taking office.' The two-term incumbent reportedly lost over $600,000 after investing campaign funds into crypto companies in the second quarter of 2026.

McKinney, a progressive challenger backed by the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Socialists of America, secured 51.9% of the vote against Thanedar's 48.1%. The two candidates will face off again in the November general election, with McKinney set to compete against Republican Taras Nykoriak.