Bernie Sanders’ Endorsement Highlights William Lawrence’s Grassroots Congressional Campaign

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LANSING, Mich. — Democratic congressional candidate William Lawrence continues to build support in Michigan’s competitive 7th Congressional District race, including a high-profile endorsement announced in May from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. The endorsement positioned Lawrence among a growing list of candidates backed by national progressive leaders as Democrats compete for the party’s nomination ahead of the August primary.

Lawrence, a Lansing-area community organizer and East Lansing native, is one of three Democrats seeking the opportunity to challenge Republican Congressman Tom Barrett in November. He has centered his campaign on affordability, housing, healthcare, environmental protection, government accountability, and campaign finance reform.

In announcing his endorsement, Sanders praised Lawrence’s organizing background and progressive platform.

“Will Lawrence is an accomplished organizer who co-founded the youth-led Sunrise Movement,” Sanders said in a statement. “Will is exactly the kind of leader we need in Congress.” Following the endorsement, Lawrence thanked his volunteers and supporters, saying the endorsement reflected the grassroots effort his campaign has built throughout Michigan’s 7th District.

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A Community Organizer

Lawrence was raised in East Lansing and graduated from East Lansing High School before returning to the Lansing area, where he now lives with his wife. According to his campaign, he has spent much of his career organizing around climate policy, housing affordability, and tenant protections.

He was among the founders of the Sunrise Movement, a national youth-led climate advocacy organization, and later helped establish the Michigan Rent Is Too Damn High Coalition and the Mid-Michigan Tenant Resource Center, organizations focused on affordable housing and preventing homelessness.

Lawrence’s campaign platform includes support for Medicare for All, expanding affordable housing, protecting Michigan’s natural resources, limiting the influence of corporate money in politics, and advocating for diplomatic approaches to international conflicts.

Growing List of Endorsements

In addition to Sanders, Lawrence has received endorsements from several elected officials, organizations, and progressive leaders, including:

• U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib

• U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna

• Former U.S. Rep. Andy Levin

• Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC

• Working Families Party

• Indivisible

• Sunrise Movement

• National Nurses United

• Clean Water Action

• Communications Workers of America (CWA)

• Climate Hawks Vote

• Friends of the Earth

• Progressive Democrats of America

• Vote for Peace

• Numerous local elected officials and community leaders across Mid-Michigan.

Looking Ahead

Michigan’s 7th Congressional District remains one of the nation’s most closely watched battlegrounds. Lawrence joins fellow Democratic candidates Matt Maasdam and Bridget Brink in seeking the party’s nomination before voters head to the polls in the August primary. The winner will face Republican incumbent Tom Barrett in the November General Election.