Ex-Rep. Brenda Lawrence backs Hill Harper for Senate in Michigan

Former U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence has officially endorsed actor and author Hill Harper of Detroit in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Michigan.

The nod is notable in part because Lawrence, a Southfield Democrat, served in the U.S. House with one of Harper's primary opponents, three-term U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Holly.

"I am proud to endorse Hill Harper for the U.S. Senate," Lawrence said in a statement. "His commitment to public service and compassionate leadership will provide the inclusive representation the citizens of Michigan need. He will be a dedicated public servant for ALL the people of Michigan."

Lawrence, who did not run for reelection in 2022, did not return a call seeking further comment Friday. It wasn't her first sign of support for Harper's campaign, having had transferred $3,300 from her campaign account to Harper's in August.

But Lawrence is the first current or former member of Congress to endorse Harper's candidacy for Michigan's U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

Lawrence's retirement last year after four terms marked the first time in 68 years that Detroiters don't have a Black lawmaker representing the country's largest Black-majority city in the U.S. House. Michigan has never elected an African American to the U.S. Senate.

Harper's other endorsements include the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce PAC, the American Postal Workers Union Local 295, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton and Wayne County Executive Warren Evans.

Slotkin has previously announced the backing of three sitting members of the Michigan delegation ― Reps. Hillary Scholten of Grand Rapids, Haley Stevens of Birmingham and Dan Kildee of Flint Township, as well as former U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer of Portage and Maryland U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin.

In the Republican primary, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Brighton has picked up endorsements from GOP U.S. Sens. Katie Britt of Alabama, Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Joni Ernst of Iowa and Steve Daines, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, as well as U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg of Tipton and former U.S. Rep. Candice Miller of Harrison Township, who is now the Macomb County drain commissioner.

U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Holland, donated $5,000 to Rogers' campaign through his leadership political action committee, the Upper Hand Fund, campaign finance records show.

mburke@detroitnews.com