Progressive House candidate Will Lawrence (D) announced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, that he allowed his membership in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) to lapse within the past month. Lawrence explained that his decision was motivated by a desire to focus on uniting swing voters in Michigan’s battleground 7th District.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for DSA and the work that they’re doing around the country, but I felt a need to make it very clear that the platform we’re running on here is the one that has come up based on the conversations we’re having across the seventh district,” Lawrence said in an interview with CNN.

Lawrence emphasized that his campaign is centered on the district and the concerns he has heard from residents. “I just want to make very clear that I’m here to represent the people of this district and focus on the issues that are bringing people together,” he said.

He pointed to major progressive issues resonating across the district, including the costs of living, healthcare, gasoline, and groceries. Lawrence also clarified that his decision to let his DSA membership lapse was not related to his advancement to the general election and declined to specify any broader disagreements with the organization, stating he would address policy questions individually.

In related political developments, Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) won the three-way Democratic primary in the Lansing-based congressional district on Tuesday and is set to face Rep. [Name not provided]. The primary also included candidates such as Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink and former Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam.

Sources