Politics

Brenda Lawrence won't seek Re-election; Tlaib to run for 12th District Congressional seat instead

January 05, 2022, 11:07 AM by  Allan Lengel

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Lawrence has served in Congress since 2015 and Tlaib since 2019.

Brenda Lawrence, Michigan's only Black member of Congress, announced Tuesday that she won't run for a fifth term, clearing the way for Rep. Rashida Tlaib to run for the newly created 12th district. 

"After reflecting on my journey and having conversations with my family, I'm announcing that I will not be seeking re-election to Congress," Lawrence tweeted and posted on Facebook with a video. 

Her announcement was expected. Deadline Detroit columnist Greg Bowens first reported last month that Lawrence was seriously considering not running. With redistricting in Michigan, Lawrence, 67, would have faced a tough race.

Hours later, Tlaib, who currently lives in and represents the 13th district, said she would move to the 12th to run, leaving state Rep. Shri Thanedar as the only announced candidate in the 13th. 

Tlaib's existing district is split between the two new boundaries, with the 12th containing two-thirds of her constituents. 

“I’m excited to continue to fight for our residents and engage with new neighbors in Wayne and Oakland Counties," Tlaib said in a media release.

It's not known what's next for Lawrence, a Detroit native and former Southfield mayor who won her first House term in 2014, but she says "I guarantee you that service and service to our community, service to my country, will be a guiding light to me as it always has been."

Announcement video:



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