MI-07: In Barrett's backyard, Democratic candidates make their case to be his next challenger
Three candidates aiming to challenge U.S. Representative Tom Barrett gathered at a forum on the Charlotte Republican’s home turf, taking questions on why they should represent the Democratic Party in their effort to flip Michigan’s hotly contested 7th Congressional District.
Wednesday’s forum, held at the Charlotte Community Library, brought together former Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, retired Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam and Lansing-area political organizer William Lawrence, who shared stories from their life, the path that led them to the campaign trail and their priorities if elected to office.
Brink was up first, touting her experience working in foreign relations under five presidential administrations. Of the three candidates in attendance, Brink said she’s been the one who’s publicly stood up to President Donald Trump on the national stage, referencing her decision to resign over the Trump Administration’s Ukraine policy.
“What I knew is that I not only had to resign, I had to speak out, I had to do something about it, to change it,” Brink said. “And the only thing I could think of doing – and my family and I had like a family huddle – is come home to Michigan and run for Congress. And that’s what I did.”
https://michiganadvance.com/2026/04/09/in-barretts-backyard-democratic-candidates-make-their-case-to-be-his-next-challenger/