Lawrence launches ‘Michigan First’ constituency services plan highlighting Barrett town hall woes

Democratic Party-aligned constituents in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District have made U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett’s lack of town halls during his time in Congress a centerpiece in the campaign against his reelection prospects in the 2026 cycle — and Democratic nominee Will Lawrence is capitalizing on those concerns with a constituency services plan described as “Michigan First.”

If elected, Lawrence’s five-point plan would emphasize quarterly, unscripted and in-person town halls with residents living in the district; in-person, mobile and virtual office hours; faster response times from his prospective congressional office; and a dedicated liaison for veterans and senior concerns.

Lawrence would also endeavor to create close partnerships with community organizations as part of the plan.

“In my time as a community organizer and now as a candidate, I’ve met countless Michiganders who feel their elected officials care more about corporate donors and monied interests than working people like them,” Lawrence said in a statement. “I know that being an elected official is about more than just casting votes in Washington. It means being a constant presence in our community and looking out for our neighbors.”

Lawrence, in the policy rollout announcement, said that he and other Democrats, as well as constituents of all political stripes, feel that Barrett (R-Charlotte) has failed that test.

“In response, Barrett set up a virtual town hall that was plagued with technical difficulties and left the needs of constituents unmet. Multiple residents told local news they could not sign into the event and never received confirmation,” Lawrence said. “One of our neighbors told the news that the community thinks Barrett is ‘invisible.’ The Congressman has made accessing him nearly impossible during his time in office. This is a pattern we’ve seen time and time again: politicians breaking their oath to the people they serve, shutting out the very people who elected them, and only listening to corporate donors and DC insiders. That is exactly why people have lost faith in government.”

Lawrence said his plan will “work to rebuild trust, from the bottom up.”

The Democratic nominee said that in addition to hosting in-district quarterly town halls, he would also make his office open for drop-in meetings with staff and hands-on support. Lawrence said that would include taking his office on the road at local libraries, community centers and public spaces. Those office hours would also be available for virtual appointments, Lawrence said.

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Concerns from constituents would be prioritized, Lawrence added, with quick responses from his office without extended delays.

Lawrence also said he was committed to having staff assigned for veterans and seniors to expedite any issue those populations might bring to his congressional office if he wins in November. Staff in Michigan would also make regular visits to local veterans halls, senior centers and community gatherings, Lawrence noted in a breakdown of the plan.

The nominee further said that not every problem would be able to be solved by his congressional office alone, and that’s why the plan includes commitments to support community organizations specializing in housing, healthcare and public safety to connect people to vital services.

“My office will work closely with these organizations and ensure we are leveraging every possible resource for our neighbors,” Lawrence said.