Bridget Brink

Will Lawrence

Matt Maasdam

LANSING, MI (6-15-26) — Approximately 120 residents gathered Monday evening at UAW Local 602 for a Congressional District 7 candidate forum that gave voters an opportunity to hear directly from Democratic candidates Matt Maasdam, Bridget Brink, and Will Lawrence on issues impacting Latino families and communities throughout Mid-Michigan. The event comes ahead of the August 4 Democratic primary, where voters will select a nominee to challenge incumbent Republican Congressman Tom Barrett in the November 3 general election.

The event, organized by Lansing community leader Ramiro Garcia and moderated by Lorenzo Lopez, drew residents from across the district, including Latino community members, labor advocates, educators, business owners, and local elected officials.

Billed as “A Conversation with the Latino Community,” the forum focused on immigration, healthcare, economic opportunity, agriculture, voting rights, and how candidates would engage Latino residents if elected to Congress.

How Would You Serve Latino Communities?

One of the evening’s first questions asked candidates how they would support Latino residents and ensure their voices are represented in Washington.

Lawrence said his campaign has spent months building relationships within Latino communities throughout the district and credited community leaders for helping shape his campaign.

He noted that Latino community members have served as advisors and said those relationships helped him earn endorsements from several Latino elected officials and community leaders, including Lansing City Council members Deyanira Nevarez Martinez and Trini Lopez Pehlivanoglu, along with Lansing School District Board President Guillermo Lopez.

Lawrence said one of his first priorities in Congress would be establishing a constituent services operation that reflects the diversity of the district.

“Before I even think about legislation or policymaking, the first thing I’m going to do is establish a process to hire a deeply rooted and culturally responsive constituent services staff, including Spanish-language outreach,” Lawrence said.

Brink emphasized accessibility and visibility, telling attendees that effective representation begins by showing up and listening to constituents.

Over the past year, Brink said she has traveled throughout the district meeting with residents from urban and rural communities, union members, teachers, retirees, and farmers.

“What I heard every single time is that Tom Barrett’s not present,” Brink said. “I’m going to be available and accountable to the people I represent.”

Brink added that defeating Barrett and rebuilding trust in government will require a broad coalition that includes labor organizations, community leaders, and residents from every corner of the district.

Maasdam echoed those sentiments, arguing that elected officials must be present and engaged in the communities they represent.

“The first thing I’m going to do is be present,” Maasdam said. “You need to listen, and you need to represent the whole district.”

The retired Navy SEAL pointed to his attendance at local events, including the Cristo Rey Fiesta in Lansing, saying representation starts with showing up and listening to residents.

Immigration Discussion Draws Strong Response

Immigration emerged as one of the most emotional topics of the evening.

Lawrence shared the story of a neighbor who recently returned to her country of origin after spending years in the United States on a long-term visa. He described the impact on her young son, who remains in the United States with relatives while the family navigates an uncertain future.

“We’re sending people back to places where they may be in severe danger,” Lawrence said. “This is a country of immigrants, and if we lose sight of that, we lose part of our soul as a nation.”

Maasdam approached the issue through the lens of accountability and constitutional protections.

Referencing recent immigration enforcement actions that have drawn national attention, Maasdam said federal agencies should be held to the same standards expected of military personnel.

“If a SEAL had done that, that SEAL would be in jail,” Maasdam said. “I fought for the Constitution for 20 years in the Navy. We need leaders who will defend those principles and ensure people are treated according to the rights guaranteed under our laws.”

Brink called for comprehensive immigration reform that balances border security with due process protections and accountability.

“We are a nation of immigrants, and that has made our country stronger and more prosperous,” Brink said.

Drawing on her 28-year career in public service and diplomacy, Brink said the nation needs secure borders, efforts to combat human trafficking and transnational crime, and institutions that uphold the rule of law.

She also called for reforms that would increase transparency and accountability within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), arguing that due process protections must remain central to American values.

“What I’ve always fought for is making sure we reflect our values overseas and at home,” Brink said. “Rule of law and due process are among our founding principles, and we must uphold them in every community.”

Farm Bill Discussion Highlights Rural Concerns

Agriculture and the future of family farms became another major topic during the evening.

Lawrence said tariffs and corporate consolidation have created significant challenges for farmers throughout Michigan and argued that more support is needed for young farmers seeking to purchase or maintain family-owned operations.

“We need to support young people who want to stay on family farms,” Lawrence said, while also calling for investments in rural communities and conservation programs.

Maasdam focused on the importance of protecting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, arguing that food assistance supports both working families and Michigan farmers.

“We’re taking food away from kids and taking money away from farmers so that we can give billionaires tax breaks,” Maasdam said.

Brink, whose family farmed near Grand Ledge generations ago, said many farmers are looking for predictable markets and stable prices rather than uncertainty created by shifting trade policies.

She pointed to rising costs for equipment, supplies, and fertilizer, along with reduced access to export markets, as major concerns facing farmers throughout the district.

“What I hear from farmers is they want markets and predictability,” Brink said.

Closing Remarks

During closing statements, Maasdam highlighted three priorities: defending constitutional rights, strengthening economic opportunities for working families, and fighting corruption in Washington.

Brink focused on protecting the American Dream through affordable healthcare, strong unions, lower costs, and safeguarding democratic institutions.

Lawrence emphasized grassroots organizing, direct community engagement, and building a campaign powered by volunteers and neighborhood-level outreach throughout the district.

The forum highlighted the growing political engagement of Latino voters in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District and provided residents with an opportunity to compare candidates side-by-side on issues directly affecting their communities before the upcoming primary election.

Garcia said the goal of the forum was to create a space where Latino voters and other residents could hear directly from candidates and evaluate their positions on the issues most important to their families and communities.

Michigan’s Democratic primary election will be held August 4. The winner of the Democratic nomination will advance to face incumbent Republican Congressman Tom Barrett in the November 3 general election in one of Michigan’s most closely watched congressional races.