Lawrence gets thumbs up from Tlaib in race for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District

As three Democratic candidates face off for the nomination in one of the most politically competitive districts in the country, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib announced her endorsement. 

The Detroit Democrat gave her support to Lansing-area political organizer William Lawrence, saying in a statement Lawrence “represents the kind of courageous leadership that we all need right now.”

“Will has been on the frontlines in protecting our communities. He helped protect our unhoused neighbors against measures that would have violated our human rights,” Tlaib said. “Will has proven to do the work without the title. I’m proud to endorse Will because he will take on political corruption, so we can win quality healthcare and affordable housing and put a stop to endless wars.”

Lawrence has also won support from the Michigan 7 chapter of Indivisible, the Working Families Party and The People’s Coalition.

Also in the race are former Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink and retired Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam. Tlaib is the second member of Congress to weigh in on the primary, after U.S. Rep. Frankel (D-Florida) endorsed Brink in December.

Progressive Working Families Party boosts McKinney, Lawrence and Tlaib in congressional bids

Brink has won support from a number of Michigan lawmakers, including former House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit), and organizations including the Michigan Education Association and EMILYs List.

Maasdam has been endorsed by End Citizens United, an organization focused on campaign finance reform, and other organizations including the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, Teamsters Local 243 and Defend The Vote.

Whoever prevails in the August primary will face U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte) in November. 

The 7th Congressional District is a critical battleground for control of the U.S. House. The nonpartisan Cook Political report has rated it a “toss up.” It includes all of Clinton, Shiawassee, Ingham, and Livingston counties, most of Eaton County, and portions of Oakland and Genesee counties.