LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett and Democratic challenger William Lawrence took the debate stage Tuesday morning in East Lansing. The recorded debate will air at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, on WILX-TV 10, WSYM-TV FOX 47 and WKAR-TV PBS 23, as well as WKAR radio’s 90.5 FM and 102.3 FM.

The hour-long debate was moderated by WKAR’s Sheri Jones and WILX’s David Andrews, with additional questions from a panel of journalists. It was livestreamed from WKAR’s studios on Michigan State University’s campus.

MORE NEWS: Trump Administration Targets Race-Based Policies at Michigan’s 1,353 Private Schools

The race between Barrett, a Republican incumbent from Charlotte, and Lawrence, a Lansing Democrat, is drawing national attention. Michigan’s 7th Congressional District is a battleground that could help determine control of the U.S. House. Barrett won the seat in 2024 by approximately 3.7 percentage points.

Lawrence said in August that he had allowed his Democratic Socialists of America membership to lapse the previous month.

He won the Aug. 4 Democratic primary against former U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink and retired Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam. His campaign’s extensive grassroots outreach included knocking on more than 100,000 doors, according to former Democratic congressional nominee Curtis Hertel.

The debate covered President Donald Trump’s policies, health care and affordability, highlighting sharp differences between the candidates.
Barrett challenged Lawrence over his past positions on open borders and defunding the police. Lawrence sought to tie Barrett to Trump, particularly on tariffs and the war in Iran.

Barrett, however, has proposed limits on military action in Iran, including prohibitions on deploying ground troops, occupying territory and establishing long-term governance. His proposed authorization included a July 30, 2026, expiration date.