| Kelvin Jamichael Lawrence is an American politician who has served as a Democratic member of the Alabama House of Representatives for District 69 since November 5, 2014. Born on November 12, 1973, he is currently 51 years old and resides in Hayneville, Alabama. Before his election to the state legislature, Lawrence served as the mayor of Hayneville from 2012 to 2014. When he won his seat in the Alabama House, he stepped down as mayor, with city councilman David Daniel taking over as acting mayor until a permanent replacement could be chosen.
Lawrence's district encompasses parts of Autauga, Lowndes, Montgomery, and Wilcox counties in Alabama. Throughout his legislative career, he has served on several committees, including the Ways and Means Education Committee, State Government Committee, Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee, and Montgomery County Legislation Committee, where he currently serves as Chairman. He also serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Transportation Committee and is a member of the Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Finances and Budget.
Professionally, Lawrence is a businessman who owns and operates multiple enterprises. He is the President of Kelvin Developing Company Incorporated and, along with his wife Marilyn, owns and operates a Subway sandwich shop franchise in Hayneville, which they opened in 2003. The couple is known in their community for their personal approach to business, knowing customers by name and remembering their usual orders. They also hire local high school students to provide them with work experience and follow their progress through college.
Lawrence attended Alabama State University from 1991 to 1996, studying Business Management, though it is unclear if he completed his degree. Prior to that, he graduated from Saint Jude Educational Institute. His educational background in business has informed his approach to both his private business ventures and public service.
In his political career, Lawrence has won multiple elections. He was first elected to the Alabama House in 2014, defeating Republican Loretta Grant and Independence Party candidate Cedric Coley with 66.3% of the vote. In 2018, he won his Democratic primary against Kelvin Williams with 68.3% of the vote and went on to win the general election with 98.2% of the vote against write-in candidates. In 2022, he defeated Republican challenger Karla Knight Maddox with 55.2% of the vote to secure his third term, which ends on November 4, 2026.
Lawrence's legislative work has included sponsoring bills related to various issues affecting his district and the state. However, his career faced a significant challenge in July 2024 when he was arrested on two felony charges- second-degree forgery and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument. According to the Alabama Attorney General's office, the indictment alleged that Lawrence, with intent to defraud, falsely made, completed, or altered a builder's license. Both charges are Class C felonies punishable by 1 year and 1 day to 10 years in prison. As of July 29, 2024, Lawrence had pleaded not guilty to these charges.
In his community, Lawrence is active in several organizations. He serves as a deacon at Mount Moriah Baptist Church #2 and is Chair of Trustees. He is also a member of the Lowndes County Chapter of the New South Coalition, the Alabama Democratic Party, and Prince Hall Masonry. Additionally, he has served as a board member for the Hayneville Boys and Girls Club and as an advisor/board member for Ark of Love Ministries. He is also Vice President of an organization called Keepers of the Brotherhood.
Lawrence is married to Marilyn Lawrence, and they have two children. Together, they not only run their business but are also involved in community service, including hiring and mentoring local youth through their Subway franchise. |