The candidates agreed that if they were elected to Congress in the seventh district, they would fight to shift the focus to domestic issues such as the housing crisis, inflation, health care, immigration and more.

The forum was hosted by LWV members Shirley Jackson and Sue Acton. The three candidates are running in the democratic primary for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District on August 4, 2026. The winner will face incumbent Tom Barrett (R) in the general election on November 3, 2026.

Immigration

Candidates addressed their position on immigration and how they would work for legislation in Congress. With ICE raids and arrest surges staying on the national news, the topic is hot on voters' minds.

While exact steps varied, it was agreed by all candidates that the current regime/strategy is going against the constitution and democracy.

Brink believes ICE needs to be overhauled and should be for keeping America safe from terrorists, threats at the border and transnational crime, not the streets of America.

Brink emphasized transparency from immigration services, such as “no masks”; she said there is a way to secure US borders, “the right way.”

Maasdam said, “Border security is national security.” As a retired Navy SEAL, Maasdam is especially frustrated by the civilian shootings happening in the U.S. at the hands of ICE.

Having seen the training ICE goes through, Maasdam thinks it isn’t enough preparation, saying there needs to be stronger training and the right funding to the right institutions.

Lawrence called the current immigration policy inhuman, sharing a story about his neighbor who was recently told she needs to return to her country of origin to renew her visa after years of living in the U.S.

He said his neighbor has a 10-year-old son, and they are both worried her trip to renew her visa will end in denial of reentry to the country.

“We need to put humanity back at the center,” Lawrence said, believing that there can be immigration enforcement that follows constitutional law.

Artificial Intelligence and data centers

Maasdam stressed the need for transparency regarding data centers and their impact on water usage at the top of his list, saying there are too many NDAs surrounding the issue.

Supporting recent legislation from the House and Senate as a framework going forward, but he believes these are local choices and local governments need to be provided better tools to go toe-to-toe with large companies and their lawyers.

He said AI is important as America leads China in current AI development, but said there needs to be more talk on the congressional level.

Fueled by a personal story about his son having discussions with their Alexa, Maasdam said there needs to be greater emphasis on regulating chatbots in the U.S., comparing its lack of testing to the robust testing we put into automobiles and food.

Lawrence believes there needs to be a congressional moratorium placed on the creation of new data centers until legislation can catch up to production.

He said townships are overwhelmed and don’t need more tools, rather federal action, calling attention to the amount of money Silicon Valley is making from their data centers.

While Lawrence believes AI can aid medical progress, the wealthy will be the first to see the benefits, and current manufacturing needs guardrails. Much like his policy on immigration, he emphasized the need to put humanity back at the center of the issue, quoting a recent statement by Pope Leo XIV on AI regulation.

Brink acknowledged that when it comes to the topic of AI and data centers, “passions are high.”

She agrees with Maasdam that data center legislation is a more local issue, and a federal moratorium would take that right away. She believes local communities should be able to decide their own future.

Brink said that we need to take advantage of the opportunities AI presents while putting in palace guard rails to protect the public.

She believes the U.S. needs to be a leader rather than seeding model building in China, but as a mother, she couldn't deny the importance of regulating technology for America's youth.

Housing affordability

Lawrence advocated for Medicaid for all, from birth to death. Pointing out the current flaw in the stability of current insurance and health care, as it can fluctuate based on job loss or gain, familial death, and more.

He said if elected, he would be ready to take on the big issues and work on taking a step in the right direction.

Brink was especially passionate about the state of health care in the U.S., as she experienced the difficulties fighting breast cancer, relating to the struggle of bill after bill while trying to recover.

If elected, she believes in taking the Affordable Care Act and expanding it by passing subsidies, reversing cuts to Medicaid, and taking on big insurance and drug companies.

Maasdam pondered why, as the richest country, its citizens are breaking the bank to pay for healthcare. He did not support or understand Barrett’s positioning on the issue and supports a system that is simple, clear and affordable. He brought up a recent conversation he had with a U.S. doctor who travels to Canada every month to buy his medication at a lower price.

In their closing statements, each candidate reiterated their core values and main discussion points throughout the forum.

To view the entire virtual forum, you can visit the League of Women Voters of Livingston County YouTube. The LWV of Livingston County website can be found at https://lwvlivingstonco.org/ with more information on future forums and absentee voting information. 

For more information on how and where to vote, check your local Clerk’s office for the location(s) and hours of early voting. Primaries will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.