Will Lawrence Secured Democratic Nomination in Michigan

The Sunrise Movement co-founder will represent Democrats in the race for Michigan's 7th Congressional District.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Political Parties

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a metallic ballot box, representing the Michigan primary race with a clean, symbolic aesthetic. — Will Lawrence secured the Democratic nomination for Michigan's 7th Congressional District, setting up a competitive race for the seat against incumbent Republican Tom Barrett. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Democratic voters selected Will Lawrence as their candidate for Michigan's 7th Congressional District in August. Lawrence, a co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, is running for the seat currently held by Republican Tom Barrett.

Why it matters

The race highlights a shift in the district, which previously backed Donald Trump in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020. Lawrence has received an endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders as he aims to flip the district.

Michigan's 7th District includes Lansing, East Lansing, and Livingston County. Republican Representative Tom Barrett previously secured the seat with a margin of victory of less than 4 points.

The players

Will Lawrence

He is a co-founder of the Sunrise Movement and a candidate for Congress.

Tom Barrett

He is the incumbent Republican Representative for Michigan's 7th District.

Bernie Sanders

He is a United States Senator who has endorsed the candidacy of Will Lawrence.

Donald Trump

He is the current President of the United States who carried this district in 2016.

Joe Biden

He is the former President of the United States who carried this district in 2020.

The details

The campaign platform for Lawrence focuses on universal health care, taxes on the wealthy, and a freeze on new data centers. Lawrence is also a former member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

The district supported Donald Trump in 2016.
The district shifted to support Joe Biden in 2020.
Democrats officially selected Will Lawrence as their candidate in August 2026.
Representative Tom Barrett is scheduled to appear on The Metro in September 2026.

Political Context

This race highlights the ongoing partisan divide within the district, which has oscillated between supporting Republican and Democratic presidential candidates in recent cycles. Opposition figures and Republican voters continue to emphasize the incumbent's record on fiscal policy as a primary point of contrast to the platform proposed by Lawrence.

The outcome of this congressional race will determine which party controls the seat representing Lansing, East Lansing, and parts of Livingston County. Residents in these areas can expect an increase in campaign activity as both candidates move toward the general election.

The takeaway

The competitive nature of Michigan's 7th District makes it a focal point for national political observers this election cycle. Voters in the district should monitor official campaign platforms to understand the practical differences in policy proposals regarding local infrastructure and taxes.