Don Samuels
Don Samuels | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Minneapolis City Council | |
| In office February 14, 2003 – January 6, 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Joe Biernat |
| Succeeded by | Blong Yang |
| Constituency | 3rd ward (2003–2006) 5th ward (2006–2014) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 13, 1949 Jamaica |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Pratt Institute (BS) Luther Seminary (MDiv) |
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.
Samuels is the former CEO of MicroGrants, a Minnesota non-profit that offers small grants to low-income individuals. 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.