William Lawrence at his campaign kickoff for U.S. Congress in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, Lansing. Aug. 26, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz/Michigan Advance
Amid applause and cheers from a filled room and surrounded by signs bearing his name, William Lawrence began his speech at his first campaign event in the Allen Neighborhood Center Hall in Lansing Tuesday.
The Lansing-born activist, co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, and coordinator of the MI Rent Is Too Damn High coalition, Lawrence held a campaign kick-off for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, which drew dozens of residents and supporters of all ages. Lawrence is the latest candidate to enter the race for this congressional seat in one of Michigan’s most competitive districts.
“You’re going to hear me talk throughout this speech and throughout the campaign about the basic stuff that every human being deserves: that’s good housing, good health care, good education.” Lawrence said. “And I know that we can provide that for every single person, no exceptions.”
Lawrence outlined the main focus of his campaign: housing, healthcare, education, and security, adding that people’s power and his experience and knowledge as a social activist will help him achieve those goals that are being considered in his campaign.
“People are struggling with the cost of living right now,” he continued.
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Social security was a central issue raised by Lawrence and a concern shared by attendees. The progressive candidate emphasized the need for true security, clarifying that it must include food, jobs, wages, and education. The audience agreed and engaged with Lawrence when he asked how many of them had experienced this kind of insecurity.
“Real security is knowing that you can afford your groceries next month. And real security is housing security, not just having a roof over your head right now, but having the confidence that you and your family will have a good house where you can enjoy your time together next year.” Lawrence said.
Jasper Baldwin, 25, a Lansing resident, echoed Lawrence´s words and emphasized the impact of financial insecurity as his biggest concern.
“I’ve spent my entire life unable to have that security. I’ve watched my grandparents come and go without owning property, and they would work to the day that they died to be able to afford that,” Baldwin said.
In a conversation with Michigan Advance, Lawrence discussed his plans to address the housing crisis in Lansing, saying that more affordable houses should be built and the playing field between tenants and landlords needs to be leveled.
“Tenants don’t know what the rent will be next month or next year. That makes it impossible to build a home,” Lawrence said.
William Lawrence speaks to the crowd at his campaign kickoff for U.S. Congress in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, Lansing. Aug. 26, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz/Michigan Advance
A swinging seat amid cuts
Lawrence joins other Democratic candidates on their way to the primary elections in August 2026, including Josh Cowen, a professor of education policy at Michigan State University, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, Muhammad Salman Rais, former Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam and Michigan Army National Guard veteran Samuel Smeltzer, who goes by the name Elyon Badger.
The winner will face off against incumbent U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte) in November 2026.
Lawrence took the opportunity to mention Barrett’s work in Congress, notably his support for the One Big Beautiful Bill, President Trump’s signature tax and spending measure.
“Tom Barrett voted to throw 700,000 Michiganders off their Medicaid health insurance, 200,000 off food assistance. This is cruelty. Make no mistake, people will die because of these cuts,” Laarwence said.
“I know that we have to do more to stand up to the bullies and the billionaires who have taken over our government and stopped this assault on the working class and the poor.” Lawrence continued.
Less war, more care
Lawrence also shared with attendees his concerns regarding the tense political climate globally, mentioning China and Iran, but also Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“I believe that we must stop arming Israel. We must stop spending our money on wars and providing billionaire tax cuts, and instead invest in the basics that actually keep us safe,” Lawrence said.
That point of view resonated with Anuja Sudarshan, 23, a Lansing resident, who cited what she calls the genocide in Gaza as her biggest concern.
“As a congressional district and as a country, funding the genocide in Gaza. That is probably my biggest, biggest worry right now in today’s political climate,” Sudarshan said.
