Michigan’s 14th Congressional District
A Voter’s Guide to the 14th Congressional Race
The Democratic incumbent, Rep. Brenda Lawrence, and Republican Howard Klausner are joined on the ballot by Libertarian Gregory Creswell and Green Party candidate Marcia Squier.
It’s a district that’s voted overwhelmingly Democratic in previous Congressional elections.
A bit of history: Then-Rep. Gary Peters vacated the seat in 2014 when he was elected to represent all of Michigan in the U.S. Senate. Lawrence replaced him, garnering nearly 80 percent of the vote in the general election. Named one of the most gerrymandered districts in the country, Michigan’s 14th includes neighborhoods with some of the lowest and highest incomes in the state in both Oakland and Wayne counties.
Lawrence defeated two Democratic challengers in the August primary. Klausner ran unopposed.
More about the Candidates:
Democratic Incumbent Brenda Lawrence
Detroit native Brenda Lawrence was the first woman and black mayor of Southfield. In 2014, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives where she is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Here’s her response to WDET’s questionnaire in the primary.
Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter @RepLawrence
Republican Howard Klausner
Klausner, a medical doctor, lists his priorities as national security, health care and the economy. An emergency room physician, he says he understands health care “better than most” and that he will work to improve the nation’s health care system. A few years ago, Klausner led a study that found Michigan’s emergency departments had improved their preparedness for disasters.
He recently spoke with WDET’s Bre’Anna Tinsley.
Here is Klausner’s Campaign Website.
Follow him on Facebook.
Libertarian Gregory Creswell
Creswell is from Detroit and says one of his objectives is to repeal the 16th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which gave the government the power to levy income taxes. He also would rescind all federal fees, licenses and permits, as well as 99 percent of current federal regulations.
Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @4creswell
Green Party candidate Marcia Squier
About the Voters
Population | 698,206 |
Age Distribution: 18-34 | 22% |
Age Distribution: 35-59 | 33.6% |
Age Distribution: 60+ | 20.4% |
Male | 47.5% |
Female | 52.5% |
Race |
White: 34.2% |
Foreign-born | 9.9% |
Education Level |
Less than high school graduate: 14.5% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, |
Previous Congressional Election Results
2014 General Election Christina Barr (R) – 19.67% |
2012 General Election John Hauler (R) – 15.63% |
WDET’s Coverage of the 14th Congressional District
WDET’s 2016 Primary Guide for the 14th Congressional District
Lawrence’s Political Experience Could be a Disadvantage in Primary Race
Know Your Candidates: Dr. Howard Klausner
14th District Could Be an Easy Win for Brenda Lawrence
Wayne State University Communication Students Clara Ruffin and Cierra Anthony contributed to this coverage.