Who Is Don Samuels, Former Minneapolis City Council Member and Ilhan Omar’s Primary Challenger?

Don Samuels is an American politician and activist, who served as a member of the Minneapolis City Council from 2003 to 2014.  Don Samuels is known for his public service and political involvement in the city.

Born on May 13, 1949, in Jamaica, Samuels moved to the United States at the age of 20 to further his education. Over the years, he has become a well-known figure in Minneapolis, particularly for his efforts to address public safety and community issues.

Early Life, and Education

Don Samuels was born in Jamaica, where he was one of ten children in a family led by a Pentecostal minister. Seeking greater opportunities, he moved to the United States at the age of 20.

Samuels pursued higher education and later built a career as a toy and industrial designer, working in this field for 30 years before fully dedicating himself to public service and activism.

Career

Samuels’ political career began when he was elected to the Minneapolis City Council in 2003. Representing Ward 3 initially, his home was later redistricted into Ward 5.

Throughout his tenure, which lasted until 2014, Samuels focused on issues related to public health, safety, and community development. He played a key role in implementing Minneapolis’ indoor smoking ban in 2004, which later influenced statewide legislation.

Another significant contribution was his work on the “Ban the Box” policy, which aimed to reduce hiring biases against individuals with felony records.

In addition to his time on the City Council, Samuels served on the Minneapolis Public Schools Board from 2015 to 2019. During this period, he continued to advocate for educational reforms and community safety.

After his time on the Council, Samuels became the CEO of MicroGrants, a Minnesota-based non-profit organization that provides small grants to low-income individuals.

His leadership at MicroGrants included initiatives like the LightsOn! program, which offers repair vouchers to low-income drivers instead of fines for broken tail lights—a program inspired by the tragic shooting of Philando Castile in 2016.

In the political arena, Samuels gained national attention when he challenged Congresswoman Ilhan Omar in the 2022 Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) primary for Minnesota’s 5th congressional district.

Although he lost the race by a narrow margin, his campaign focused on issues like crime prevention and public safety, contrasting sharply with Omar’s positions. Samuels ran again in 2024 but lost to Omar by a wider margin.

Family, Personal Life, and Facts: Parents, Siblings, Wife, and Children

Don Samuels is married to Sondra Samuels, and the couple has four children. They live in North Minneapolis, where they have been active in community development and social services.

In 2020, a tragic incident occurred when a child in Sondra’s nonprofit program drowned during an outing led by the Samuels. This event deeply affected the family, and Don Samuels has spoken about the profound impact it had on their lives.

Samuels has remained a dedicated advocate for his community, even in the face of personal and professional challenges. His work continues to influence Minneapolis and the broader discussions on public safety and community welfare.

Salary, and Net Worth

While specific details about Don Samuels’ salary and net worth are not widely available, his roles in public service, non-profit leadership, and political campaigns suggest a modest financial background compared to many other political figures.

His commitment to social issues and community improvement has been the defining feature of his career, rather than personal financial gain.