Michigan Republican Rep. Tom Barrett lost his reelection bid to a hard-left challenger on Tuesday in what was the most expensive House race of the cycle.
The victor, William Lawrence, is an environmental activist and former member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
More than $66 million was spent on ads in the race, beating the previous record by $16 million, per AdImpact.
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Mr. Lawrence won the Democratic nomination over two more moderate candidates in the August primary.
The Lansing area has historically favored more moderate candidates, such as Mr. Barrett.
“In the worst year for Republicans in decades, and after the most spending against me of any Republican member of Congress in the nation, we came closer than any competitive district in the country,” Mr. Barrett said in a statement.
Amid a nationwide blue wave, the district saw a five-point shift from 2024 toward the Democratic Party.
Mr. Lawrence thanked Mr. Barrett for his “gracious” concession call.
The Democrat called for halting data center construction and arms sales to Israel. His platform also included holding “ICE accountable” and guaranteeing “healthcare for all.”
He faced criticism throughout the campaign for resurfaced comments in which he said former West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin should “hurry up and die” and that “we should be abolishing the institution of marriage.”
Mr. Lawrence said in his victory speech that it is “clear that there is an appetite for candidates who are rejecting corporate PAC money, holding big tech accountable, saying no to war, and investing in quality of life.”
During his term in Congress, Mr. Barrett pushed back on the president, voting for resolutions to end the Iran war.
However, his split with his party on the war, which exit polls indicate was a major issue for voters, was not enough to save him from the blue wave.
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