Former Navy SEAL Enters Race to Flip Competitive Michigan House District
A former Navy SEAL, Matt Maasdam, has announced his candidacy to challenge Republican Tom Barrett in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. Maasdam joins the Democratic primary race alongside Bridget Brink, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, in a bid to win back the district for the Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections.
Maasdam, emphasizing his military background, served as former President Barack Obama’s military aide responsible for carrying the “nuclear football.” In an interview with The Associated Press, Maasdam highlighted the importance of bipartisan collaboration in the military and expressed a desire to bring that spirit to Congress.
The 7th Congressional District, which includes Lansing and surrounding rural areas, was previously held by Democrat Elissa Slotkin before she successfully ran for U.S. Senate in 2024. In the 2026 election, Tom Barrett flipped the district, defeating his Democratic opponent with a 3.7-point lead.
Barrett, a former Army helicopter pilot, has already raised over $900,000 in his time in Congress. Meanwhile, Brink, Maasdam’s Democratic competitor, resigned from her role as ambassador to Ukraine in protest of President Trump’s treatment of the country.
As the midterm elections approach, the race in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District is shaping up to be a closely watched contest between Maasdam, Barrett, and Brink, with each candidate bringing unique experiences and perspectives to the campaign.
