Donavan
McKinney

Donavan McKinney is a strong supporter of bold climate action who has fought for water accessibility and affordability as a member of Michigan’s first Environmental Justice Council and Michigan’s House of Representatives.

After earning a public policy degree from the University of Michigan, McKinney worked as a legislative director in the state legislature, in community engagement for the Community Development Advocates of Detroit nonprofit, and as a healthcare organizer in the Michigan Service Employees International Union. Following his appointment to the Environmental Justice Council, McKinney was instrumental in Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s $2 Million Water Restart Grant Program and her statewide Water Reconnection Executive Order during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also worked to fund over $600 million to replace lead pipes in Detroit and its suburbs. McKinney was elected to the Michigan House in 2022, where he championed bills that would prohibit campaign contributions from utility companies and advocated for increased credits for consumers after experiencing extended power outages.

As a representative, McKinney will support a transition to 100% clean and renewable energy as well as expanded public transit to protect our planet’s future and create millions of good-paying green jobs in Michigan. McKinney earned a 95% lifetime score on Michigan LCV’s Scorecard as a state representative.

McKinney joins the U.S. House after defeating Republican candidate T.P. Nykoriak to fill the seat formerly held by Representative Shri Thanedar, who earned a 99% lifetime score on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard.

“Climate justice, environmental equity, and democratic integrity are not just policy priorities, they’re personal commitments. Our district bears the brunt of pollution, infrastructure neglect, and disinvestment. We deserve clean water, breathable air, walkable neighborhoods, green jobs, and a government that protects the people, not polluters.” LCVAF Questionnaire