Skip to content

Rep. Brenda Lawrence Will Not Seek Re-Election for Congress

U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence, D-Southfield, announced on her Facebook page on Tuesday, January 5 that she will not be running for re-election this year.

Her significant decision is one that means that Michigan will no longer have a Black member of Congress, the Detroit Free Press reported.

“This year marks my 30th year in elected public service, and I’ve had the good fortune of serving Michiganders on the local and national level,” she posted on Facebook. “After reflecting on my journey & having conversations with my family, I’m announcing that I will not be seeking re-election to Congress.”

From the Southfield Public Schools’ Board of Education to the Southfield Mayor (first woman and Black person elected) to today, Lawrence said she had the “good fortune” of serving residents locally and nationally.

“Today, after reflecting on my journey and oh my goodness what a journey, and having conversations with my family, I am announcing I will not be seeking reelection to Congress,” she said, adding that she is “incredibly grateful” to Michigan residents of the 14th Congressional District for placing their trust and vote in her.

“In me, just a little Black girl from the Eastside of Detroit,” she said. “You made me your congresswoman. It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to be your voice in Congress and fight for our communities and issues … on a national platform.”

She added that her journey is far from over and she will still be a congresswoman for the rest of the year.

“You can rest assured that I will keep fighting to pass laws to protect our voting rights, women’s rights, and to protect our environment. I will continue to fight to educate our children and provide security for seniors,” Lawrence said.

The Detroit Free Press reported that her office sent out a statement that did not clarify her decision to not run for a fifth two-year term to the U.S. House, but it is surmised that Lawrence was unhappy with the new redistricting process, which linked her coverage of Southfield and the west side of Detroit with Dearborn, Westland and other areas of western Wayne County she has not represented.

Her leaving will present a challenge for those looking to see who could replace the Democratic region.

Lawrence, 67, became the 25th Democratic member of the House to announce the decision to not run for re-election in 2022.

“It is not lost on me that I’m currently the only Black member of the Michigan congressional delegation,” Lawrence said, the Detroit Free Press reported. “Whether it’s in the halls of Congress, city halls, or local school boards, representation matters.”

In the article, Dingell described Lawrence’s work as vital to the community.

“Throughout her 30 years in public service, she supported Michigan students while serving on the Southfield Public Schools Board of Education, gathered communities together as mayor of Southfield, and tied her work together as a representative fighting for American jobs and child care, among many other important issues, in Michigan’s 14th District. I’m thankful to have worked with Brenda.”

Read the full story here.

About Post Author

From the Web

Active Aging
These Techniques Can Help Combat Distraction in Aging Brains
These Techniques Can Help Combat Distraction in Aging Brains
activeaging
Read more
Why Your Golden Years Are the Perfect Time for Pet Ownership
Why Your Golden Years Are the Perfect Time for Pet Ownership
activeaging
Read more
7 Dietary Supplements that Promote Healthy Aging
7 Dietary Supplements that Promote Healthy Aging
activeaging
Read more
How to Start a Garden in Retirement
How to Start a Garden in Retirement
activeaging
Read more
Healthy Living | Word in Black
Using Fresh Spring Produce: 10 Recipes You’ll Love
Using Fresh Spring Produce: 10 Recipes You’ll Love
healthyliving
Read more
Focus on the Present: Tips for Living in the Moment
Focus on the Present: Tips for Living in the Moment
healthyliving
Read more
Ways to Move More While Working from Home
Ways to Move More While Working from Home
healthyliving
Read more
Tips for Building a Delicious (and Nutritious!) Salad
Tips for Building a Delicious (and Nutritious!) Salad
healthyliving
Read more
The Caregivers
Connection and Peace Flourish in This 79-Year-Old’s Community Garden
Connection and Peace Flourish in This 79-Year-Old’s Community Garden
Joyce Randolph began a small garden with her daughter in 2013. She found that gardening is good for the mind and for building community.
By renata sago
The Caregivers
Read more
Affirmations for Aging Boldly
Affirmations for Aging Boldly
With the highs and lows that come with aging, it’s helpful to have a few go-to affirmations for inner strength.
By renata sago
The Caregivers
Read more
Yes, Your Living Space Can Be a Source of Comfort and Peace
Yes, Your Living Space Can Be a Source of Comfort and Peace
Experimenting with welcoming plants and letting go of items that you no longer need can make your living space comfortable.
By renata sago
The Caregivers
Read more
Uplifting Words if You're Ever in a Funk
Uplifting Words if You're Ever in a Funk
A funk is a period of sadness that, if addressed effectively, can encourage inner healing and draw you into the fullness of who you are.
By renata sago
The Caregivers
Read more
X