Editorial: Our pick for Congress from the 14th District

The Detroit News Editorial Board

For a guide to The Detroit News endorsements in all races so far, click here.

Brenda Lawrence is seeking a fourth term, and she’s the best option for residents of her heavily Democratic district, which includes the northwest side of Detroit as well portions of Wayne and Oakland counties. 

Lawrence, D-Southfield, has a decent grasp of the issues facing her constituents, although she lacks some of the enthusiasm of her neighboring Michigan colleagues in Congress. 

Lawrence serves on the House Appropriations Committee and the House Oversight and Reform Committee, and she’s involved in several other organizations. She co-chairs the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Women’s Issues, and is second vice chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, among others. 

Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence gives her remarks on black empowerment, peaceful protesting and protecting the city during the rally, Monday, June 1, 2020.

Republican Robert Vance Patrick, a contractor from Southfield, is challenging Lawrence. He did not return our questionnaire or respond to requests for an interview. 

Lawrence says she’s focused on issues around education and disparities among schools; criminal justice reform; and the need for more mental health training among police departments. In addition, she says there should be much more attention to mental health care in general, with facilities dedicated to mental health treatment. 

We were pleased with some of her comments raising concerns over the large amounts of spending in Congress, as well as our country’s growing deficit. Lawrence points to her time as mayor of Southfield, and how she always balanced her city budget. 

Overall, Brenda Lawrence has served her district well, and she should get another two years.

Endorsements are determined independently by The Detroit News Editorial Board and have no influence on news coverage.