Bernie Sanders backs Lawrence in Michigan’s competitive 7th District Democratic primary

Lansing-area political organizer William Lawrence secured the support of another high-profile progressive lawmaker, with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) announcing his endorsement on Thursday. 

“Will Lawrence is an accomplished organizer who co-founded the youth-led Sunrise Movement,” Sanders said in a statement. “In Congress, he will champion Medicare for All, protect Social Security, and demand real accountability for big tech and AI companies. Will is running an energizing, people-powered campaign and building a strong grassroots coalition that is prepared to stand up to Big Money interests. Will is exactly the kind of leader we need in Congress, and I’m proud to support his campaign.”

Sanders is the third member of Congress to back Lawrence’s campaign, with U.S. Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) and Ro Khanna (D-California) previously endorsing Lawrence.

The Democratic primary for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District – among the most politically competitive in the nation – is a three-way race between Lawrence, former Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink and retired Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam. The district is held by U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte), who is serving his first term after defeating former state Sen. Curtis Hertel (D-East Lansing) in a 2024 race to fill now-U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin’s (D-Holly) empty seat.

Brink secured an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Florida) last year, and has received support from multiple state lawmakers, including former Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit). Earlier this week, she announced that her campaign received endorsements from seven former superintendents throughout the Lansing area. 

Maasdam has received support from the campaign finance reform group End Citizens United and multiple labor groups, with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Michigan State Conference giving Maasdam its endorsement on Thursday.