Miami
Tom Barrett sharpens attacks on William Lawrence in key Michigan House race
The Michigan Republican is escalating his criticism of Democratic rival William Lawrence in one of the country’s most closely watched swing districts. The race is seen as potentially important to control of the House.
Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, centered on Lansing, is again being described as one of the nation’s closest House battlegrounds and a contest that could matter in the fight for control of the chamber. Fox News Politics reported that Republican Rep. Tom Barrett, who narrowly won the seat in 2024, is now in a tight race with William Lawrence, an activist and founder of the climate-focused Sunrise Movement.
According to the outlet, the campaign has recently been shaken by older social media posts from Lawrence. Those posts included criticism of the nuclear family, support for efforts to abolish police, and arguments for a far more open immigration approach. Fox News Politics said Lawrence now maintains that his views have changed.
Barrett disputed that explanation, arguing the shift is driven by electoral necessity rather than a sincere change in beliefs. He cast Lawrence as a candidate trying to reposition himself for a competitive swing district rather than one more favorable to democratic socialist politics.
The Republican congressman also tied Lawrence’s stated positions on immigration and public safety to broader concerns about crime and fentanyl. Fox News Politics reported that Barrett argued open-border policies and abolishing police would worsen threats from gangs and contribute to more overdose deaths.
Another major line of attack focused on Lawrence’s connection to the Democratic Socialists of America. The outlet said Lawrence recently claimed his membership lapsed, while Barrett argued that he still embraces that ideology and only sought distance from it for political reasons during a difficult race.
Fox News Politics added that one of the most controversial posts attributed to Lawrence involved Sen. Joe Manchin during a dispute over climate policy. Barrett cited that episode as evidence of radical rhetoric and also criticized Lawrence’s ties to environmental initiatives that, he said, would threaten jobs linked to gas-powered vehicle manufacturing in the district.
Barrett also used the interview to turn to economic issues. According to Fox News Politics, he defended Republican tax policies and other affordability measures, while framing the election as a choice between sharply different approaches to taxes, spending and immigration.
Sources
About this piece. Written by El Notero with AI assistance, from reporting published by the outlet cited above. El Notero did no original reporting on this story.
