Progressives prevail in a Michigan House primary that divided moderates — and women’s groups 

Progressive activist Will Lawrence won a contentious three-way Democratic primary in Michigan's 7th Congressional District, defeating former Ambassador Bridget Brink and ex-Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam. The race, which initially seemed quiet with the two moderate candidates focusing on each other, became highly competitive when Lawrence's grassroots campaign gained unexpected momentum in the final stretch, driving outside spending to over $8 million. The primary sparked internal Democratic tensions about candidate electability, particularly when Maasdam's campaign suggested Brink should drop out to avoid splitting the anti-Lawrence vote, drawing criticism from women's groups who argued female candidates are routinely underestimated.