Lansing, Michigan, December 10, 2025
EMILY’s List has endorsed Bridget Brink as she aims to unseat Republican Tom Barrett in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. Brink, previously the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, seeks to bring a pro-choice Democratic voice to the district. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, EMILY’s List highlights Brink as a significant candidate in their strategy to flip Republican-held seats.
Lansing, Michigan – EMILY’s List Endorses Bridget Brink in Bid to Unseat Republican Tom Barrett in 7th Congressional District
EMILY’s List, a prominent political action committee dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women, has endorsed Bridget Brink in her campaign to unseat Republican Representative Tom Barrett in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.
Background on the 7th Congressional District
Michigan’s 7th Congressional District encompasses the Lansing-East Lansing metropolitan area, along with parts of Livingston and Oakland counties. The district includes major cities such as Lansing, East Lansing, Brighton, and Howell.
Bridget Brink’s Political Career
Bridget Brink served as the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine from 2022 to 2025. She resigned from this position in April 2025 to protest President Donald Trump’s handling of the Ukraine conflict.
Tom Barrett’s Political Background
Tom Barrett, a Republican, flipped the 7th Congressional District in 2024, defeating Democratic incumbent Elissa Slotkin. Prior to his congressional tenure, Barrett served in the Michigan State Senate and the Michigan House of Representatives.
EMILY’s List’s Role in the 2026 Elections
EMILY’s List has identified 46 Republican-held seats as key targets for the 2026 midterm elections, aiming to flip these districts by supporting pro-choice Democratic women candidates.
Conclusion
The endorsement of Bridget Brink by EMILY’s List underscores the organization’s commitment to supporting pro-choice Democratic women candidates in competitive districts. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the 7th Congressional District remains a focal point for both parties, with Brink’s candidacy representing a significant challenge to incumbent Representative Tom Barrett.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is EMILY’s List?
EMILY’s List is a political action committee dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women to office.
Who is Bridget Brink?
Bridget Brink served as the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine from 2022 to 2025 and resigned in April 2025 to protest President Donald Trump’s handling of the Ukraine conflict.
Who is Tom Barrett?
Tom Barrett is a Republican who flipped Michigan’s 7th Congressional District in 2024, defeating Democratic incumbent Elissa Slotkin.
What is the significance of the 7th Congressional District?
The 7th Congressional District includes the Lansing-East Lansing metropolitan area and parts of Livingston and Oakland counties, encompassing major cities such as Lansing, East Lansing, Brighton, and Howell.
What is EMILY’s List’s role in the 2026 elections?
EMILY’s List has identified 46 Republican-held seats as key targets for the 2026 midterm elections, aiming to flip these districts by supporting pro-choice Democratic women candidates.
Key Features of the 7th Congressional District Race
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| District Location | Lansing-East Lansing metropolitan area, parts of Livingston and Oakland counties, including cities like Lansing, East Lansing, Brighton, and Howell. |
| Bridget Brink’s Background | Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine (2022–2025), resigned in April 2025 to protest President Trump’s handling of the Ukraine conflict. |
| Tom Barrett’s Background | Republican incumbent who flipped the district in 2024, defeating Democratic incumbent Elissa Slotkin. Served in Michigan State Senate and House of Representatives. |
| EMILY’s List’s Role | Identified 46 Republican-held seats as key targets for the 2026 midterm elections, aiming to flip these districts by supporting pro-choice Democratic women candidates. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Joshua Cowen Launches Congressional Campaign in Michigan
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
