Brenda Lawrence (née Lulenar; born October 18, 1954) is an American retired politician who served as the U.S. representative from Michigan's 14th congressional district from 2015 to 2023.

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

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

[9] She returned to Washington later that year to lobby Congress for a bridge loan for the American auto industry.

[10] She successfully sought a third term as mayor in 2009, defeating former Councilwoman Sylvia Jordan with nearly 80 percent of the vote.

[13][14] Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero named Lawrence as his running mate in his bid for governor of Michigan.

They campaigned around the state promoting a "Main Street Agenda" with emphasis on their shared backgrounds as mayors.

The Democratic gubernatorial ticket lost to Republican nominees Rick Snyder, a businessman, and Brian Calley, a State Representative, 58%-40%.

[18] Lawrence was the first candidate to submit signatures to the state in order to be on the August primary ballot, doing so in March.

[19] Lawrence won the Democratic Party nomination on August 5, 2014, with 36% of the vote to Hobbs's 32%, Clarke's 31% and Foster's 1%.

Although it was expected that Clarke would convincingly win the portion of Detroit within the district, where he lives and had previously held public office, Lawrence was competitive in the city and won more votes than all other candidates from voters who cast their ballot on Election Day in Detroit.

[31] They were high school sweethearts, having met outside the Midway Market corner store where he worked on Detroit's east side.

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