Progressive Lawrence Wins Michigan Primary, Will Face Rep. Barrett in November

LANSING, Mich. — William Lawrence secured the Democratic nomination for Michigan's 7th Congressional District, defeating two moderate rivals in a primary that exposed the party's ongoing divide between its progressive and establishment wings.

Decision Desk HQ and NBC News projected Lawrence's victory. He will face first-term Republican Rep. Tom Barrett in November.

Lawrence, 35, co-founded the youth-led environmental group Sunrise Movement and ran with the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. His win hands the insurgent progressive wing of the Democratic Party a concrete defeat of the party's establishment in a competitive district.

Among those he beat was former Ukraine Ambassador Bridget Brink, who carried endorsements from former Democratic Govs. Jennifer Granholm and Jim Blanchard.

The 7th District is a battleground seat. Control of the House could hinge on its outcome, and both parties are expected to pour in resources ahead of November.

Decision Desk HQ and NBC News projected Lawrence's victory. He will face first-term Republican Rep. Tom Barrett in November.

Among those he beat was former Ukraine Ambassador Bridget Brink, who carried endorsements from former Democratic Govs. Jennifer Granholm and Jim Blanchard.

The 7th District is a battleground seat. Control of the House could hinge on its outcome, and both parties are expected to pour in resources ahead of November.