Michigan Democrat's 2013 arrest emerge as he distances from DSA roots
Michigan Democratic House candidate Will Lawrence’s previous arrest during a protest against a crude oil pipeline is muddying the waters as the progressive attempts to distance himself from his previous membership in the Democratic Socialists of America.
TL;DR
- Will Lawrence, a Democratic House candidate in Michigan, was arrested in 2013 during a protest against the Enbridge Line 5 crude oil pipeline.
- He and other protesters chained themselves to machinery and were charged with trespassing, resisting arrest, and obstructing a police officer.
- Lawrence also previously posted on X calling to 'defund the police' during the Black Lives Matter movement.
- He is a co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, a climate activist organization.
- Lawrence recently let his Democratic Socialists of America membership lapse, stating his focus is on local issues for Michigan's 7th Congressional District.
- He describes himself as an 'organizer and coalition builder' and is endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders.
- The race against incumbent Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI) is rated a 'toss-up'.