(born September 23, 1948), is an American politician who is the U.S.
Representative for Florida's 5th congressional district, serving since 2017.
The district stretches across most of the border with Georgia, including most of the majority-black areas between Tallahassee and Jacksonville.
A Democrat, Lawson served in the Florida Legislature for 28 years, rising to the rank of "Dean of the Senate" prior to his election to the U.S.
House of Representatives.
From 2000 to 2010, Lawson served Florida Senate, representing the 6th District, where he was elected to serve as the Democratic Leader.
From 1982 to 2000, he was a member of the Florida House of Representatives.