Progressive Co-Founder Wins Michigan Democratic Primary, Advancing to General Election Fight

William Lawrence, a co-founder of the progressive Sunrise Movement, secured the Democratic nomination for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District on Tuesday by decisively defeating two establishment-backed rivals. The victory marks another significant gain for the left wing of the Democratic Party in its ongoing ideological struggle with the party’s moderate faction. Lawrence will advance to the general election to challenge Republican incumbent Tom Barrett, who won the seat in 2024 and is seeking reelection.

Lawrence’s opponents in the primary were Bridget Brink, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, and Matt Maasdam, a former Navy SEAL. The race centered on the district anchored in Lansing, which became open after Democrat Elissa Slotkin vacated the seat to run successfully for Senate in 2024. Barrett faces no primary opposition after winning his initial contest as a military veteran.

The Lansing-based progressive received endorsements from Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat and Democratic Socialists of America member, as well as Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. The Democratic Socialists of America did not endorse a candidate in the race. Lawrence co-founded the Sunrise Movement in 2017 as a climate-focused youth activism organization, though the group has since expanded its agenda to include calls for removing Immigration and Customs Enforcement from U.S. cities and police abolition.

Republican officials view Lawrence’s nomination as advantageous to their House majority efforts. Mike Marinella, spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, characterized the result as evidence that Democrats face mounting difficulties in recapturing House control, saying the party faces depleted resources and narrowing paths to victory.