The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has added Will Lawrence, a progressive candidate with a history of controversial statements and a 2013 arrest, to its competitive Red to Blue program, more than a month after he won the Democratic primary in Michigan's 7th Congressional District. The move, announced this week, signals the party's commitment to flipping a swing seat currently held by first-term Republican Rep. Tom Barrett.
Lawrence, a co-founder of the Sunrise Movement and former Democratic Socialists of America member, defeated two establishment-backed rivals in last month's primary. His victory was seen as a win for the party's left wing and intensified the ongoing ideological battle between progressives and centrists. The DCCC's decision to elevate him to its target list comes after weeks of deliberation, reportedly delayed in part due to concerns from Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) leaders over past comments Lawrence made about Black politicians.
In a 2024 podcast, Lawrence criticized Black political leaders, calling them a «pillar» of the «capitalist, imperialist» American establishment and accusing them of trying to «defang the White left.» He has since apologized for those remarks. The CBC has not yet endorsed Lawrence, and the DCCC's delay was partly out of deference to the group, according to a CNN report. The CBC did not respond to a request for comment.
Lawrence's record also includes a 2013 arrest during a protest, where he was charged with trespassing and resisting and obstructing an officer. He has said the conviction was later expunged. Additionally, he has deleted hundreds of controversial social media posts, including support for defunding the police, abolishing prisons, open borders, and abolishing the Senate. He has since walked back many of those positions, telling Fox News Digital last month, «I don't support defunding the police. I follow the lead of first responders and gun violence prevention advocates I have met with here in the district, who support increased funding for youth programs, mental health resources, and community violence intervention, working in collaboration with law enforcement.» He also told CNN, «Like many millennials, I've done my fair share of thinking out loud on the internet.»
The DCCC's announcement, made by Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene, included two other candidates: Democrat Mitchell Berman of Wisconsin and independent Bill Hill of Alaska. DelBene praised Lawrence as «unbought» and «practical,» adding, «While Tom Barrett sides with Trump and the corporate special interests, Will Lawrence sides with the people.» The addition brings the DCCC's target list to 40 races.
Centrist Democrats quickly pushed back. Matt Bennett, co-founder of the centrist think tank Third Way, told Fox News Digital, «I think they waited so long because he is a pretty far-left candidate running in a swing district that is currently held by a Republican and two, he has said something very, very controversial about African-Americans and that's not great combination when you're trying to win a swing district.» He added that if Lawrence hasn't repaired his relationship with the CBC, it «could further exacerbate tensions within the party.»
Republicans also seized on the move. NRCC Spokesman Zach Bannon said, «D.C. Democrats are embracing Socialist William Lawrence, who wants to abolish the police, abolish prisons, ban fossil fuels, allow sex changes for kids, and advance every other far-left liberal policy in mid-Michigan.» NRCC National Press Secretary Mike Marinella posted a long list of Lawrence's past comments on social media.
Lawrence responded to the DCCC's support on X, calling it «the latest sign that MI-07 is one of the most competitive races anywhere in the country» and «a vote of confidence that our people powered campaign fighting to bring down the cost of living» will succeed. The 7th District, anchored in Lansing, was carried by President Donald Trump by just one point in 2024, making it a key battleground for control of the House in the midterm elections.