William Lawrence, co-founder of the progressive Sunrise Movement, won the Democratic nomination for Michigan's 7th Congressional District on Tuesday, August 5, 2026. He defeated former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink and former Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam in a contentious primary anchored in Lansing.

The seat was previously held by Democrat Elissa Slotkin, who vacated it after successfully running for Senate in 2024. On the Republican side, incumbent Tom Barrett, a military veteran, ran unopposed in the primary and is seeking a second term in Congress this November.

Mike Marinella, spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), commented on Lawrence's victory, stating, "The Democrats' path to the House majority is evaporating in real time. Every embarrassing defeat leaves them with a radical socialist nominee, an emptier bank account, and another must-win seat off the board."

Lawrence's win is seen as another success for the far-left insurgency within the Democratic Party, which has been gaining ground in recent primaries. The Sunrise Movement's platform includes progressive policies such as calls to remove Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from U.S. cities and abolishing police, according to its website.

Notably, progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have been active in Michigan politics, with Ocasio-Cortez appearing in Lansing on July 19, 2026.

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