As Democrats aim to regain control in the 2026 midterm elections, Michigan’s hotly contested U.S. House district sees yet another Democratic contender stepping into the fray. Maat Maasdam, a former Navy SEAL, enters the race with a mission to challenge Republican Tom Barrett, the district’s current representative.
Maasdam is the second Democrat to announce his candidacy, following Bridget Brink, the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine. Both candidates are preparing to introduce themselves to the electorate in this strategically important district. Barrett, a former Army helicopter pilot, captured the 7th Congressional District, which includes Lansing and nearby rural regions, in 2026. Maasdam declared, “I’m running for Congress to continue serving my country, not any political party,” emphasizing his commitment to public service over partisan politics.
Highlighting his extensive military background, Maasdam aims to position himself as a formidable opponent to Barrett. His experience includes serving as the military aide to former President Barack Obama, transporting the “nuclear football,” a critical component of national security. His campaign also underscores that his wife served as a Navy helicopter pilot, reinforcing their family’s service-oriented ethos.
During an interview with The Associated Press, Maasdam noted, “In the military, whether you’re Republican or Democrat, you’re still working together on the same mission. It really gives you the opportunity to find common solutions and get the job done. And I haven’t seen a lot of that recently.” This sentiment resonates with his campaign’s focus on unity and collaboration.
The district was previously held by Elissa Slotkin, a rising Democratic figure and former CIA analyst, who transitioned to a successful U.S. Senate bid in 2024. In the battle for the open seat that followed, Barrett emerged victorious, securing his position with a 3.7-point advantage in a costly electoral contest. Since then, Barrett has amassed over $900,000 in campaign contributions during his initial months in Congress.
Brink, Maasdam’s competitor in the Democratic primary, stepped down as ambassador to Ukraine in April, protesting against what she perceives as President Donald Trump’s unfair treatment of the nation. With a background as a diplomat in Eastern Europe and former Soviet territories, she was initially appointed as ambassador to Slovakia by Trump in 2019. Her appointment as ambassador to Ukraine by former President Joe Biden came shortly after Russia’s invasion in 2022.
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