U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett and Democratic challenger Will Lawrence clashed over data centers, AI and policing in their first debate Tuesday, Oct. 6, at WKAR’s studios in East Lansing.

The hour-long exchange in Michigan's 7th Congressional District race may be the only debate before the general election, according to WKAR. The district includes Lansing, Michigan State University’s campus and Howell. WKAR described the seat as one of the closest U.S. House races in the country.

WKAR's Sheri Jones and David Andrews of News 10 Lansing moderated, with questions from a panel of journalists.

Data centers and AI split the candidates

Both candidates have made data center regulation an issue in their campaigns, but they disagree on how to do it. Lawrence has called for a federal moratorium on new data center construction. Barrett wants local governments to keep that decision.

Barrett, a Republican from Charlotte, has introduced legislation to prohibit members of Congress from signing nondisclosure agreements about data centers and to block federal agencies from overriding local zoning and permitting decisions.

In August, when he introduced those bills, Barrett said in a statement reported by WKAR that “people in mid-Michigan are tired of big corporations and politicians negotiating backroom deals …”

Lawrence, a climate organizer making his first run for public office, has called for a New Deal-style jobs program for workers displaced by AI, according to WKAR.

At a Sept. 15 event at Michigan State University, Lawrence told students: “Best case scenario, they put tens of millions of people out of work and bring a ton of natural gas,” according to The State News.

On AI regulation more broadly, Lawrence criticized Barrett for voting for an early draft of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that would have blocked state and local governments from regulating artificial intelligence.

Barrett said the federal government should take the lead, arguing a state-by-state patchwork of rules would be difficult. He also said he supports states and local governments adding protections for privacy and data rights.

Barrett targets Lawrence's social media history

Barrett repeatedly cited Lawrence's old social media posts, including past comments on police funding. Barrett quoted a statement he attributed to Lawrence: “Turns out the cops aren't very good at enforcing or keeping us safe. We should just abolish them altogether.”

Barrett called Lawrence's shift a “conversion of convenience, not one of conviction” when speaking to reporters after the debate.

Lawrence said he does not support defunding police and favors funding police alongside community violence intervention and mental health programs.

“Tom Barrett wants to talk about old tweets because he can't talk about recent votes …” Lawrence told reporters after the debate, according to WKAR.

Tariffs and the economy

Lawrence also pressed Barrett on his vote against ending the national emergency that gave President Donald Trump broad powers to levy tariffs. Barrett said he cast that vote because a related Supreme Court decision was still pending at the time.

The recorded debate is scheduled to air Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. Eastern on WILX-TV 10, WSYM-TV FOX 47, WKAR-TV PBS 23, WKAR 90.5 FM and 102.3 FM, according to the organizers’ announcement.

The full debate is also available online. The general election is Nov. 3.