The League of Women Voters (LWV) of Livingston County hosted a virtual forum on July 2 with District Seven Democratic candidates Matt Maadam, William Lawrence and Bridget Brink to discuss issues presented by the public.

Before the forum, the public was invited to submit questions for the candidates that were then vetted by the LWV.

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.