Biography

CONGRESSWOMAN BRENDA L. LAWRENCE OF MICHIGAN’S 14TH DISTRICT 

Congresswoman Brenda L. Lawrence has lived in Michigan’s 14th Congressional District, which includes a portion of Detroit as well the City of Southfield and 16 other cities located in Oakland and Wayne counties, her entire life. She was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November of 2016, where she serves as a Senior Whip, Vice Chair of the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues and Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus. She serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where she also serves on the Subcommittee on Aviation, Subcommittee on Highway and Transit, Subcommittee on Water, Resources and Environment.  She is also a member on the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee where she serves on the subcommittee on Government Operation.

Born and raised in Detroit, Congresswoman Lawrence is a product of Michigan’s public school system. She is an alumna of Pershing High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Before she began her career in public service, the Congresswoman had a notable career with the U.S. Postal Service.

She was elected Mayor of the City of Southfield in November of 2001 and became the first African American and the first woman to serve in that post. She previously served on the Southfield City Council, where she was elected President in 1999. She has also served on the Southfield Public School Board of Education as President, Vice President, and Secretary.

She and her husband, McArthur Lawrence, are the proud parents of Michael and Michelle. They also adore their granddaughter, Asya.

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