Lansing — Community organizer and progressive Will Lawrence is projected to win the Democratic nomination in a three‑way primary for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, according to unofficial AP results released just before 11:24 p.m. The partial count shows Lawrence with nearly 36 % of the vote, while former U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink trails with 30 % and former Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam at about 21 %. The winner will face first‑term Republican Rep. Tom Barrett of Charlotte in the November general election. The purple‑leaning district has been a top prospect for Democrats to flip, having been lost to Barrett by only 3.7 percentage points when Elissa Slotkin ran for Senate in 2024.

Supporters praise Lawrence’s grassroots record, his focus on climate and tenant rights, and his local roots. Cameron Reyes of De Witt said he backed Lawrence not only for his progressive agenda but also because he “grew up in the district.” The campaign has highlighted affordability and inflation as key themes, with Lawrence’s Michigan Rent Is Too Damn High Coalition drawing attention.

Critics worry that his progressive stance may alienate centrist and independent voters. Some voters, like Steven and Jessica Ellinger from East Lansing, expressed concerns about Lawrence’s electability in a November election, while others, such as Steve Bursian, favored a mainstream candidate they believed had a better chance against Barrett.