Jewish Voter Guide
William Lawrence
U.S. House · MI · Democrat · District 7
Summary
The Democratic nominee for Michigan's 7th District, Lawrence is a former member of the Democratic Socialists of America. He made opposition to Israel's war in Gaza a central plank of his campaign, and he accused Israel's actions of being a genocide.
The record
Positions come from public votes, statements and on-the-record interviews. Every claim links to its source. No aggregate score or grade.
Position on military aid and Gaza
Lawrence has called for an end to all United States military aid to Israel and has labeled Israel's war in Gaza a genocide. At a July 2026 rally in Lansing headlined by Senator Bernie Sanders and Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, he called on America to stop arming Israel.
Alignment and campaign context
Lawrence campaigned alongside El-Sayed. He cofounded the Sunrise Movement, which has itself become a sharp critic of Israel.
Sources
- Candidacy and background — The Intercept, purple district, data center moratorium, labeling the Gaza war genocide, opponents declined to: https://theintercept.com/2026/07/22/michigan-primary-will-lawrence-palestine/
- Candidacy and background — Jewish Insider, swing district rated a tossup, end to US aid and genocide accusation, centrist opposition: https://jewishinsider.com/2026/07/william-lawrence-michigan-7th-congressional-district-democrats/
- Position on military aid and Gaza — Times of Israel, Lansing rally quote: https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-el-sayed-effect-how-jews-and-israel-are-factoring-into-michigans-primaries/
- Position on military aid and Gaza — JTA, only Democrat in his race to accuse Israel of genocide https://www.jta.org/2026/08/04/politics/william-lawrence-el-sayed-aligned-progressive-takes-democratic-house-nomination-in-michigan-battleground-race
- Alignment and campaign context — The Hill, endorsers (Sanders, Raskin, Jayapal, Frost, El-Sayed): https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5964228-progressive-house-candidate-responds-to-criticism-over-past-comments-about-black-dems/
A note on methodology. This guide is published as an educational reference. The American Jewish Congress does not endorse candidates and does not publish aggregate scores. If you spot a position that needs an update or a better source, please reach the office.