Clarke.

DETROIT — Hansen Clarke, former congressman for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, recently joined the state’s 14th Congressional District race. 

Clarke is competing in the race against Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence.  In 2012, both Clarke and Lawrence, along with Congressman Gary Peters and former state representative Mary Waters, were candidates in the 14th Congressional District race. Peters won the election, but he is currently running for U.S. Senate. 

In 2012, Clarke and Peters were pushed to run in the same race because of redistricting, which left the state with one less congressional seat. Redistricting occurs when a state loses population.  

In 2001, Lawrence became both the first female and African American mayor of Southfield. Lawrence was also the Democratic Lieutenant Governor nominee in the 2010 gubernatorial race.