This Data Center Foe Just Won His Democratic House Primary in Michigan

This story was originally published by the Guardian and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. William Lawrence, a prominent environmental organizer who foregrounded his support for a data center moratorium, has won the Democratic primary in Michigan’s seventh congressional district in a victory for progressives. Lawrence was a co-founder of the youth-led climate justice…

motherjones.com ·5d ago

William Lawrence, an environmental activist and former Sunrise Movement co-founder, has secured victory in the Democratic primary for Michigan's seventh congressional district, marking a triumph for progressive candidates. The 36-year-old, who has previously worked with organizations like the Sunrise Movement and the youth-led climate justice movement, faced off against Bridget Brink, a former US ambassador to Ukraine and Slovakia, and Matt Maasdam, a former US Navy Seal and Obama aide.

In November, Lawrence will contest against incumbent Republican Tom Barrett. Ahead of the general election, Lawrence has garnered support from Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Rashida Tlaib, and progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Throughout his campaign, Lawrence emphasized his opposition to the unchecked expansion of AI data centers, focusing on the environmental and economic impacts of their construction.

A recent poll indicates that a majority of voters, including a significant portion of Republicans, favor candidates advocating for a moratorium on data center development. Lawrence's campaign manager, Stevie O'Hanlon, highlighted the significance of Lawrence's opposition to data centers, noting the candidate's success in small towns where it was initially unexpected.

Lawrence, who secured endorsements from prominent progressive figures, stated that the Michigan 7th district electorate is tired of the influence of Silicon Valley billionaires and DC insiders and seeks an unbought representative committed to fighting for working people. In his election night speech, Lawrence emphasized that despite Barrett's access to high-powered consultants and corporate supporters, the grassroots movement of real Michiganders has united across political differences to support Lawrence's progressive agenda.

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