Barrett-Lawrence House Race Remains Too Close to Call

Early results in Michigan’s closely watched 7th Congressional District race showed Democrat Will Lawrence leading Republican incumbent Tom Barrett, 60.5% to 38%, with Green Party candidate Shane Dedrick at about 1%; the count was ongoing. The contest could affect control of the closely divided U.S. House, and pre-election ratings had characterized it as a toss-up or Lean Democratic race. Barrett campaigned on affordability, taxes and housing, while Lawrence emphasized universal health care, workers’ rights, affordable housing and child and senior care. Republicans attacked Lawrence over his past Democratic Socialists of America membership and progressive positions, while Lawrence said he supports law enforcement and favors additional mental-health and community-based approaches to crime. Before Election Day, some Michigan Republicans expressed confidence Barrett would prevail, arguing Lawrence’s association with socialism would hurt him.