Will Lawrence, a prominent environmental organizer and co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, has secured an endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders in his bid for the Democratic nomination in Michigan's 7th congressional district. Lawrence is running on a platform that includes a nationwide moratorium on AI datacenters, which he argues threaten jobs, consume excessive water, and drive up utility costs.
Endorsement from Bernie Sanders
In a statement released Thursday, Sanders praised Lawrence as an 'accomplished organizer' who will hold big tech and AI companies accountable. 'Will is running an energizing, people-powered campaign and building a strong grassroots coalition prepared to stand up to Big Money interests,' Sanders said. Lawrence has also been endorsed by progressive Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib.
The District and the Race
Michigan's 7th district, which includes Lansing and surrounding areas, is a purple district that voted for Donald Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024, and elected Republican Tom Barrett to Congress in 2024. However, it is considered a toss-up for the 2026 midterms. Lawrence is one of three Democrats vying for the nomination, along with Bridget Brink and Matt Maasdam.
Lawrence's campaign focuses on the proposed construction of three hyperscale AI datacenters in the district, with a fourth recently rejected by the Lansing city council. He advocates for a national moratorium until strict regulations are in place, arguing that datacenters are a 'raw deal' for communities.
Opposition and Support
Incumbent Republican Tom Barrett opposes a moratorium, stating that local communities should decide on datacenter projects. Brink's campaign echoed this sentiment, emphasizing local decision-making with transparency. Maasdam did not comment but his website highlights AI safety and privacy. Lawrence has faced criticism from some labor unions and local officials who see datacenters as a source of jobs and investment, but he remains steadfast in his opposition.
'These big tech billionaires want us to be desperate, except for these very massive datacenters that few people want,' Lawrence said. He accused both Republican and Democratic opponents of taking money from corporate donors. Barrett's campaign consultant dismissed Lawrence's criticisms, noting that voters in the district have consistently supported Trump and Barrett.
Broader Implications
The race highlights growing pushback against AI datacenters from progressive climate advocates, who frame the issue as a populist pocketbook concern. Lawrence argues that datacenters are fueled by planet-warming gas and pose a threat to American jobs. 'It's a form of climate denial,' he said. The primary will test whether this message resonates in a swing district that has leaned Republican in recent elections.
