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Don Samuels

Don Samuels (born May 13, 1949) is an American politician, activist, and non-profit executive who served as a member of the Minneapolis City Council from 2003 to 2014. A member of the DFL, Samuels represented the 3rd and 5th wards during his three-term tenure. He also served one term as an at-large representative on the Minneapolis Public Schools Board from 2015 to 2019.

Don Samuels
Member of the Minneapolis City Council
In office
February 14, 2003 – January 6, 2014
Preceded byJoe Biernat
Succeeded byBlong Yang
Constituency3rd ward (2003–2006)
5th ward (2006–2014)
Personal details
Born (1949-05-13) May 13, 1949 (age 75)[1]
Jamaica
Political partyDemocratic
EducationPratt Institute (BS)
Luther Seminary (MDiv)

Samuels is the former CEO of MicroGrants, a Minnesota non-profit that offers small grants to low-income individuals.[2][3] Samuels came to national attention when he placed an unexpectedly close second to incumbent Congresswoman Ilhan Omar in the 2022 DFL primary for Minnesota's 5th congressional district. Samuels ran again in 2024 but lost to Omar again by a wider 13% margin.[4][5][6]

Career

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Minneapolis City Council (2003–2014)

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Samuels was elected to represent Ward 3 on the Minneapolis City Council in a special election in 2003, completing the final three years of Joe Biernat's term.[7] Samuels was sworn in on February 14, 2003, though a 2005 redistricting led to Samuels' home becoming part of the city's Ward 5.[8][9]

Samuels' tenure on the Council centered on issues of public health and safety. He sponsored Minneapolis' 2004 indoor smoking ban, whose provisions would later be adopted by the broader 2007 Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act.[10][11] Samuels also initiated the Minneapolis "Ban the Box" policy, which removed the checkbox requiring applicants to indicate their felony status from most municipal job applications. To reduce hiring bias, the ordinance mandated that whether an individual had committed a felony be considered only after the initial job selection.[12]

In 2007, Samuels drew criticism from journalist Nick Coleman and others for stating "I've said burn North High School down."[13] Samuels made the comments in reference to low graduation rates for African Americans at the school. He defended the statement as one meant to draw attention to systemic under-education of Black youth, which he said "needs to be fixed, but before it can be fixed, you have to say it's bad."[14] He later apologized for his words.[15]

Samuels supported public financing for U.S. Bank Stadium, the new Minnesota Vikings stadium, to replace the Metrodome.[16] He briefly campaigned for Hennepin County Commissioner in 2012.[17]

In 2013, Samuels announced a run for Mayor of Minneapolis and did not run for re-election to the City Council.[18] Though he outperformed all other candidates in North Minneapolis, he ultimately lost the race to Betsy Hodges.[19] Several Democratic candidates, including Samuels, were the target of Republican donations during the cycle.[20] Samuels' term ended January 6, 2014, when his successor Blong Yang was sworn into office.

Post-Council political career

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Samuels was elected to serve on the Minneapolis Public Schools school board in 2014 as an at-large representative.[21] He served for one term, from January 13, 2015, until January 15, 2019.[22][23][24][25] During his campaign, Samuels called the police on a Get Out the Vote event by Neighborhoods Organizing for Change. At the event, hot dogs were given away and Samuels called the police because he thought food was being sold illegally. Police questioned event organizers to see if they were trying to elicit votes and Samuels later said that he was a supporter of Neighborhoods Organizing for Change.[26][27]

In 2020, Samuels was among several Minneapolis residents who sued the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey, alleging they did not hire enough police officers as required by city charter.[28] In 2021, Samuels was active in the successful campaign to defeat a charter amendment that would have eliminated the Minneapolis Police Department.[29]

2022 congressional campaign

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Samuels launched a DFL primary challenge for Minnesota's 5th congressional district against Ilhan Omar in March 2022. Samuels was endorsed by former Chief of the Minneapolis Police Department, Medaria Arradondo[29] and Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey.[30] According to campaign finance records, Samuels outraised Omar in the second quarter of 2022.[31][32] Samuels' campaign focused on crime prevention, Omar's support for the police abolition movement, and the unsuccessful call to replace the Minneapolis Police Department through a charter amendment ballot initiative.[33][30][34]

Samuels was defeated by Omar in the primary on August 9, 2022, by 2.1% and fewer than 2,500 votes. By the end of the campaign, Samuels had spent around $1.4 million.[35]

2024 congressional campaign

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In November 2023, Samuels announced another primary challenge to Ilhan Omar. The campaign's launch will lead to a longer campaign period than in 2022, when Samuels mounted his challenge in March.[35][36] His campaign is being managed by Joe Radinovich, who also managed his 2022 campaign.[33]

Samuels and Omar have differentiated themselves on public safety, governing style, support for Joe Biden, antisemitism, and the Israel-Hamas war, though both candidates have agreed on the need for a ceasefire in the latter.[34][30] Samuels and Omar also have similar positions in regards to abortion and protecting the environment.[37] Samuels supports limiting restrictive zoning policies that only allow single-family homes and proposes federal grants to help create neighborhood corner stores.[38]

While on a podcast run by former Republican Party staff members, Samuels criticized Omar for not being connected enough to her constituents by saying "You're not cute enough, you don’t dress well enough, nothing about you is attractive enough to overcome that deficit."[39][40] Omar criticized the comments as sexist.[41] Samuels denies criticizing her appearance and instead he was instead criticizing her constituent services and that "you" referred to all politicians and not just Omar.[42][39]

At the May 2024 DFL convention, Samuels lost the DFL endorsement to Omar on the first ballot with Omar receiving 60.5% of the vote.[43] He remains in the race for the August DFL primary election. In 2023-2024 election cycle, Samuels raised $1,429,169.[44][45][46] On June 17, 2024, International Union of Operating Engineers and the United Steelworkers endorsed Samuels over Omar in the 2024 Congressional race.[47] He lost on August 13, 2024 with 43.9% or 51,581 votes. Ilhan Omar is the nominee again.[4][5][6]

Personal life

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Samuels was born in Jamaica on May 13, 1949, as one of ten children of a Pentecostal minister.[48] He moved to the United States at the age of 20 to pursue an education and subsequently worked as a toy/industrial designer for 30 years.[30] Samuels lives in North Minneapolis with his wife and four children.[23]

In 2020, Samuels and his wife, Sondra, took a group of children to Boom Island Park. The children were recipients of social services through Sondra Samuels' nonprofit, Northside Achievement Zone. While there, the children were allowed to put their feet in the water, though one was swept away as he waded in and drowned. Sondra Samuels' insurance company later paid out a wrongful death settlement of $301,000.[49] After being criticized for his role in the child's death, Don Samuels tweeted "can't swim but can govern," a tweet he ultimately deleted and apologized for.[50][51] He has called that day "the most devastating day in our lives."[52]

Samuels was the CEO of a non-profit called MicroGrants which issues small grants to low-income individuals and families.[3][2][53] The non-profit administers a program called LightsOn! where rather than ticket low-income drivers for broken tail lights, drivers are offered a $250 repair vouchers that may be redeemed through local partners. The program was created following the 2016 shooting of Philando Castile, who was killed by a police officer after being pulled over for a broken tail light.[54][55]

References

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  1. ^ Ostermeier, Dr. Eric J. "Minnesota Historical Election Archive". Minnesota Historical Election Archive. Smart Politics - University of Minnesota. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  2. ^ a b St. Anthony, Neal (February 8, 2016). "Nonprofit Microgrants selects Don Samuels as CEO". Star Tribune. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  3. ^ a b Schulenberg, Sam (17 July 2024). "Don Samuels releases first TV ad in rematch vs Rep. Ilhan Omar". Don Samuels. Don Samuels for Congress. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Rep. Ilhan Omar fends off primary challengers following other 'squad' members' defeats". NBC News. 2024-08-14. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  5. ^ a b Vigdor, Neil (2024-08-14). "Ilhan Omar, a Vocal Critic of Israel and 'Squad' Member, Wins Her Primary". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  6. ^ a b Murphy, Esme; Staff, WCCO; Cummings, Caroline (2024-08-13). "Rep. Ilhan Omar defeats Don Samuels in Democratic primary for Minnesota's 5th Congressional District - CBS Minnesota". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  7. ^ Olson, Rochelle (February 15, 2003). "Samuels joins City Council". Star Tribune. p. B3. Retrieved August 8, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ Gilbert, Curtis (October 23, 2013). "Minneapolis mayoral candidate bio: Don Samuels". MPR News. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  9. ^ Brandt, Steve (November 16, 2003). "When Samuels hits streets, it's personal". Star Tribune. pp. B1, B9. Retrieved August 8, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/district_files/2004_44B.pdf
  11. ^ "Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act (MCIAA) - MN Dept. of Health". www.health.state.mn.us. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  12. ^ "Don Samuels: Minneapolis mayoral candidate". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  13. ^ "The media firestorm over Don Samuels' comments". MPR News. February 7, 2007. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  14. ^ Williams, Brandt (2007-04-23). "A visit to Minneapolis North High School". MPR News. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  15. ^ Collins, Terry; Tribune, Star. "Feb. 12, 2007: 'This is what drives me'". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  16. ^ Rao, Maya (March 20, 2013). "Minneapolis DFL endorsement could prove pivotal in big election year". Star Tribune. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  17. ^ Gilbert, Curtis (December 28, 2012). "Don Samuels mulls mayoral bid". MPR News. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  18. ^ Collins, Jon (November 4, 2013). "In Minneapolis, four candidates seeking to replace councilman Don Samuels". MPR News. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  19. ^ Kaul, Greta (3 August 2017). "Where the votes that elect Minneapolis and St. Paul mayors come from". MinnPost. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  20. ^ Gilbert, Curtis (September 10, 2013). "Don Samuels' mayoral campaign attracts Republican money". MPR News. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  21. ^ Hawkins, Beth (5 November 2014). "In the end, frontrunners benefited from record spending in MPS board race". MinnPost. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  22. ^ Mahamud, Faiza (February 14, 2018). "Don Samuels won't seek reelection to Minneapolis school board". Star Tribune. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  23. ^ a b Hackett, Ashley (11 March 2022). "Why Don Samuels decided to run against Ilhan Omar". MinnPost. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  24. ^ "Regular and Annual School District No. 1 Regular Meeting: Minutes". Minneapolis Public Schools. January 13, 2015. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  25. ^ "Special School District No. 1 Annual Regular Meeting: Minutes". Minneapolis Public Schools. January 15, 2019. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  26. ^ Lahm, Sarah (October 17, 2014). "Don Samuels calls cops over hotdog giveaway". Twin Cities Daily Planet. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  27. ^ Rupar, Aaron (October 17, 2014). "Don Samuels Calls 911 on North Minneapolis Hot Dog Giveaway [VIDEO]". City Pages. Archived from the original on December 29, 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  28. ^ Sepic, Matt (March 14, 2022). "Appeals court overturns Minneapolis minimum policing ruling". MPR News. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  29. ^ a b Zdechlik, Mark (March 9, 2022). "Samuels to challenge Omar in DFL primary". MPR News. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  30. ^ a b c d Radelat, Ana (18 April 2024). "Same players, new issues in Ilhan Omar-Don Samuels rematch". MinnPost. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  31. ^ Radelat, Ana; Kaul, Greta (19 July 2022). "Big money once again pours into House races in Minnesota". MinnPost. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  32. ^ Roper, Eric (December 11, 2013). "Council to ponder reimbursing Samuels after FBI inquiry finds no wrongdoing". Star Tribune. p. B5. Retrieved August 8, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ a b Faircloth, Ryan (March 29, 2024). "Rep. Ilhan Omar, Don Samuels prepare for closely watched DFL primary rematch". Star Tribune. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  34. ^ a b Radelat, Ana (12 November 2023). "Don Samuels announces rematch against Ilhan Omar in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District". MinnPost. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  35. ^ a b Zdechlik, Mark (12 November 2023). "Don Samuels seeks primary rematch against DFL Rep. Ilhan Omar". MPR News. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  36. ^ Karnowski, Steve (12 November 2023). "Progressive Minnesota US Rep. Ilhan Omar draws prominent primary challenger". AP News. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  37. ^ Murphy, Esme (23 June 2024). "Don Samuels denies sexist statements made in podcast amid Rep. Ilhan Omar rematch - CBS Minnesota". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  38. ^ "Affordable Housing for All". Neighbors for Samuels. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
  39. ^ a b Griffith, Michelle (9 May 2024). "Don Samuels has had it up to here, and he's running for Congress • Minnesota Reformer". Minnesota Reformer. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  40. ^ Boller, Jay (28 November 2023). "Don Samuels on Rep. Omar: 'You're Not Cute Enough. You Don't Dress Well Enough. Nothing About You Is Attractive Enough.' - Racket". [[Racket (Minnesota)|]]. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  41. ^ Wagner, Jeff (30 November 2023). "Rep. Ilhan Omar accuses Don Samuels of "sexism" based on podcast comments about her appearance - CBS Minnesota". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  42. ^ Pan, H. Jiahong (29 January 2024). "Don Samuels to run against Ilhan Omar again". Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  43. ^ Goldsmith, Lonny (2024-05-29). "Voting With Their Feet". TC Jewfolk. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  44. ^ SAMUELS, DON MR., Federal Election Commission, July 24, 2024.
  45. ^ Faircloth, Ryan (May 11, 2024). "Rep. Ilhan Omar wins DFL endorsement over Don Samuels at Minneapolis convention". Star Tribune. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  46. ^ Masters, Clay (11 May 2024). "Rep. Ilhan Omar wins DFL endorsement on first round of balloting". MPR News. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  47. ^ Don Samuels' campaign. Don Samuels announces key endorsements in rematch with Rep. Ilhan Omar in Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District, donsamuels.com, June 17, 2024.
  48. ^ "Minneapolis mayoral candidate bio: Don Samuels". MPR News. 2013-10-23. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  49. ^ Dernbach, Becky Z. (28 September 2021). "Minneapolis nonprofit leader reaches wrongful death settlement in drowning of 6-year-old boy". Sahan Journal. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  50. ^ McLaughlin, Shaymus (March 15, 2022). "Don Samuels deletes tweet making light of child's drowning". Bring Me The News. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  51. ^ Faircloth, Ryan (August 6, 2022). "Policing, abortion at forefront of primary race between Rep. Ilhan Omar and Don Samuels". Star Tribune. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  52. ^ McLaughlin, Shaymus (2022-03-15). "Don Samuels deletes tweet making light of child's drowning". Bring Me The News. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  53. ^ "About – MicroGrants". microgrants.net. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  54. ^ Platt, Adam (January 6, 2023). "TCB Q&A: What's Next for Don Samuels?". Twin Cities Business. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  55. ^ Tribune, Editorial Board Star. "EDITORIAL | Keeping Lights On! and building trust". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
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