25 Facts About Brenda Lawrence

Brenda Lawrence is an American politician who served as the US representative from Michigan's 14th congressional district from 2015 to 2023.

Brenda Lawrence's district covers most of eastern Detroit, including downtown, and stretches west to take in portions of Oakland County, including Farmington Hills, Pontiac, and Lawrence's home in Southfield.

Redrawn into the 12th district, Brenda Lawrence did not seek reelection in 2022, and retired from Congress upon her fourth term's expiration in 2023.

Brenda Lawrence grew up in Detroit's northeast side, on Lumpkin Street.

Brenda Lawrence was raised by her grandparents after her mother died when she was three years old.

Brenda Lawrence attended local schools, graduating from Detroit's Pershing High School.

Brenda Lawrence then earned her bachelor's degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University.

Brenda Lawrence had a 30-year career with the United States Postal Service, advancing to work in human resources.

Brenda Lawrence served as president, vice president, and secretary of the board.

In 2001, Brenda Lawrence defeated longtime incumbent Donald Fracassi for the mayor's office, becoming the city's first African-American and first female mayor.

Brenda Lawrence returned to Washington later that year to lobby Congress for a bridge loan for the American auto industry.

Brenda Lawrence served as a Michigan delegate to the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

Brenda Lawrence successfully sought a third term as mayor in 2009, defeating former Councilwoman Sylvia Jordan with nearly 80 percent of the vote.

Brenda Lawrence was reelected to a fourth term unopposed in 2013.

In May 2008, Brenda Lawrence announced her candidacy for Oakland County Executive.

Brenda Lawrence was unopposed for the Democratic nomination to unseat the longtime Republican incumbent, L Brooks Patterson.

Brenda Lawrence was formally nominated as the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor at the Michigan Democratic Party convention in August 2010.

In late 2011, Brenda Lawrence announced she would be running in the newly redrawn 14th congressional district.

Brenda Lawrence instead ran for the US Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democrat Carl Levin.

On January 23,2014, Brenda Lawrence announced that she would run for the 14th district for the second time.

Brenda Lawrence took the most votes in Oakland County, carrying Southfield, Pontiac and Oak Park, as well as Royal Oak Township.

On January 4,2022, Brenda Lawrence announced that she would retire, becoming the 25th Democrat to do so that cycle.

Professionally, Brenda Lawrence worked for the federal government for 30 years in the United States Postal Service.

Brenda Lawrence started as a letter carrier and later worked in human resources management; she retired in 2008.

Brenda Lawrence's husband is a United Auto Workers retiree from Ford Motor Company.