By Kyle Davidson, Michigan Advance
A prominent political organization committed to electing Democratic pro-choice women has weighed in on one of Michigan’s most competitive House races headed into the new year, making good on an earlier promise to target sitting U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett, a Republican from Charlotte.
On Wednesday, EMILYs List gave its endorsement to former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink running in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.
Brink, who resigned from the position in April, citing President Donald Trump’s prioritization of Russia over Ukraine in peace talks between the two nations, is one of five Democrats seeking to unseat Barrett, with Navy SEAL veteran Matt Maasdam, Lansing activist William Lawrence, family medicine doctor Muhammad Salman Rais, Elyon Badger and Alexandra Prieditis also seeking the Democratic nomination.
Earlier this year, EMILYs list announced it would target Barrett’s seat in 2026 in an effort to deliver the district for Democrats. Michigan’s 7th congressional has been called one of the most competitive districts in the nation, with the nonpartisan Cook Political Report rating the district as a “toss-up.”
While Republicans have criticized Brink as a carpetbagger, EMILYs List President Jessica Mackler noted that Brink is a sixth-generation Michigander and the first woman U.S. ambassador in a war zone, with a “proven track record of standing up to Donald Trump.”
“We need battle-tested leaders, like Bridget, who have the experience to take on tough fights,” Mackler said. “In Congress, she will work to lower costs for working families, stand up to extremism, and tap her national security background to keep Michigan communities safe. EMILYs List is proud to support Bridget Brink in the fight to flip Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.”
Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jon King for questions: info@michiganadvance.com.
