Bridget Brink (D), William Lawrence (D), Matt Maasdam (D), and two other candidates are running in the Democratic primary for Michigan's 7th Congressional District on August 4, 2026. As of May 2026, Brink, Lawrence, and Maasdam led in endorsements, polling, and local media attention.
The winner will face incumbent Tom Barrett (R), first elected in 2024, in the general election. As of May 2026, major forecasting organizations rated the general election a toss-up. The Detroit Free Press' Todd Spangler said the 7th District "may be the most likely to flip to Democrats in November, having previously been represented by now-Sen. Elissa Slotkin. ... Barrett faces a tough reelection campaign given a national atmosphere that favors the Democrats."
Brink is a former member of the U.S. Foreign Service. Brink served on the National Security Council under President Barack Obama (D) and later as U.S. ambassador to Slovakia and, later, Ukraine. Brink's campaign website says she had "resigned as U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine to speak out against the Trump Administration’s reckless and chaotic policies." Brink says she will "stand up to unaccountable, unelected billionaires trying to slash and burn our government and undermine our democracy ... our rights, our freedoms, our very democracy is at stake." EMILY's List endorsed Brink.
Lawrence is an organizer and co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, the Michigan Rent Is Too Damn High Coalition, and the Mid-Michigan Tenant Resource Center. Lawrence's campaign website says he is "a coalition-builder who knows how to bring people together to get things done, even against the odds." In a campaign ad, Lawrence said, "People around the district tell me we want someone who shows up, who listens, and who really fights. So of course, Democratic powerbrokers are pushing two candidates who've never even lived here. Out of touch, elite politics is what brought us Trump and Barrett in the first place." The Working Families Party endorsed Lawrence.
Maasdam is a small business founder and retired Navy SEAL. Maasdam served as a military aide to President Barack Obama (D). Maasdam says he had "served Presidents of both parties in Iraq, Afghanistan, and at the White House. I’ve dedicated my life to service, and now I’m continuing my service by stepping up to represent our families here in Michigan." In a campaign ad, Maasdam said, "Congress hasn't worked for us in decades. All we see are politicians yelling at each other. They're not solving our problems or bringing us together. They're making a scene and it's driving us apart. I'm Matt Maasdam, and I'm not a politician." VoteVets.org endorsed Maasdam.[14]
Also running in the primary are Elyon Badger (D) and Alexandra Prieditis (D).
Barrett defeated Curtis Hertel (D) 50.3%–46.6% in 2024.
