HRC PAC Endorses Pro-Equality Champion Will Lawrence for Michigan’s Seventh District

LANSING, MI - Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) PAC, the nation's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, announced its endorsement of Will Lawrence for U.S. House in Michigan's 7th Congressional District. A victory by Lawrence in November is essential to securing a pro-equality majority in Congress to combat the authoritarian, discriminatory policies of the Trump administration.

"As Michiganders face serious threats to their rights and freedoms under this extremist administration, the state's 7th Congressional District deserves a fighter who will champion equality - not discrimination. Will Lawrence is that fighter. He's committed to addressing the issues that will help build better and brighter futures for all of his constituents," said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson. "From protecting and expanding health care access to lowering the cost of living, Lawrence's leadership is how we win a pro-equality majority in Congress. The Human Rights Campaign is proud to endorse Will Lawrence, and we will fight with everything we have to elect him this November."

Will Lawrence is a seasoned organizer and coalition-builder who has focused on addressing climate change and the housing crisis for Michiganders. As part of his platform, Lawrence aims to lower the cost of living, protect Michigan's water and farmlands, combat attempts to roll back critical civil rights legislation and ensure that healthcare is accessible and affordable, including fighting for abortion rights. As a part of his campaign platform, Will wrote: "When I say I'm for everybody, that means everybody, including people who are different from me. I'll stand up to bullies who want to blame communities of color or the LGBT community for our problems."

"I'm running for Congress because it's time for us to have representatives in DC who will stand up for our rights and freedoms," said Will Lawrence. "They need to remember that the United States was founded because people didn't want a King telling them what to do and how to live their lives. Michiganders don't want Donald Trump or any politician telling them what decisions they can and cannot make about themselves and their families."

An Opponent with a Disturbing Anti-Equality Record

Will Lawrence is running against anti-LGBTQ+ incumbent, Tom Barrett, who brings an appalling, discriminatory agenda to Michigan's 7th Congressional District. During his time in Congress, Barrett has opposed equal rights for transgender people, voting for legislation that would prevent trans folks from using restrooms that align with their gender identity on military installations, as well as a "Don't Say Trans" bill that would force teachers to out trans students nationwide. Barrett also voted in favor of a Pride flag ban at Department of Defense facilities and a bill that would prohibit transgender students from participating on school sports teams aligning with their gender identity. His track record on healthcare is equally deplorable - voting to undermine access to critical healthcare for transgender youth and servicemembers, while voting in favor of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" which would increase the district's uninsured population by 22,000.

HRC's Commitment to Michigan

Equality Voters - including more than 2.4 million in Michigan - are a powerful and diverse voting bloc united by support for LGBTQ+ equality. Equality Voters are younger, more racially diverse, and more female than the general electorate, and they recognize and trust the HRC brand. Additionally, according to new HRC Foundation data, LGBTQ+ adults make up nearly 11 percent of Michigan's population. HRC PAC has made significant investments in Michigan over the years, working to mobilize those Equality Voters and elect pro-equality champions up and down the ballot.