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 2018, and she serves as a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues and 2nd Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. She serves on the House Appropriations Committee serving on   subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development (THUD), subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and subcommittee on Interior, Environment. She is also a member on the House Oversight and Reform Committee where she serves on the subcommittee on Government Operation and subcommittee on National Security.

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.