Michigan Candidate Advocates for AI Data Center Moratorium

Will Lawrence, a Michigan House candidate and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), called for a federal moratorium on new AI data centers. During an interview with Fox News Digital, Lawrence emphasized the importance of a national conversation regarding the development of hyper-intelligent AI. He argued for measures that ensure benefits extend beyond a few Silicon Valley billionaires, and reach the broader public.

Lawrence conveyed the belief that current approaches to building data centers undermine democratic principles and self-determination foundational to American identity. He noted, “You have billionaires from Silicon Valley and Wall Street coming into small towns, promising that energy bills will not increase, assuring benefits for everyone.”

At a rally in Lansing, Michigan, on July 19, 2026, Lawrence stood alongside U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. Besides advocating the data center ban, Lawrence criticized President Donald Trump and supported major campaign finance reform through publicly funded elections. He stated, “There’s a lot of money in politics, and it does a disservice to the democratic process.”

Lawrence challenged the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission, a 2010 ruling that treated political contributions as protected free speech under the First Amendment. He expressed the need for a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and advocated public financing for elections. Lawrence argued that such reforms would provide equal access to campaign funds for candidates with grassroots support.

Lawrence avoided discussing broader DSA policies, like abolishing the Supreme Court, presidency, and Senate, opting to focus on AI data centers, international conflicts, and universal healthcare. Supported by figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Lawrence is competing in the August 4 Democratic primary for Michigan’s 7th House district seat.

Currently, Rep. Tom Barrett, a Republican, occupies the seat following Sen. Elissa Slotkin’s campaign for Senate and subsequent vacancy. Lawrence faces competition from Democratic candidates, including former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink.

Fox News Digital reached out to Barrett and Brink’s campaigns as well as the DSA for comment.