Don Samuels is running for election to the US House to represent Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District. He was an at-large member of the Minneapolis Board of Education in Minnesota. He assumed office in 2014 and was in his role till 2018.

“Don needs your help in his race to represent the residents of Minnesota’s 5th District. Taking on Rep. Ilhan Omar, he’s building support from a broad coalition of community leaders, current and former elected officials, and Democratic activists. Help him by donating or signing up to volunteer,” a message read on his page.

Samuels was born in Jamaica to a Pentecostal minister and a seamstress. He was the third of ten children. 

Also Read | US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi looks to ‘swiftly’ pass climate and healthcare spending bill

He worked full-time as a security guard while he attended New Yorks’ Pratt Institute during the day. He also worked as a toy designer, working as head of research and development with some of the industry’s most recognizable companies–including Hasbro, Playskool, and Milton Bradley). He later moved to Minnesota. 

“When a seat on the City Council opened up, Don stepped forward, winning an improbable victory over an opponent with more resources and the support of the local political establishment,” his website reads.

Samuels is the CEO of Microgrants, an organization that targets small grants at individuals and organizations in communities.

“Through Microgrants, Don started “Lights On,” a program providing repair vouchers up to $250 instead of tickets to replace broken lights. In 2021, he was part of the Minneapolis 8 and their successful lawsuit to compel the city to restore the number of police officers in order to ensure a higher degree of safety for all communities in the city,” according to his website.

Also Read | Cara Mund, former Miss America, plans to run for Congress in North Dakota

Apart from work, Samuels enjoys fixing and building things, gardening, traveling, photography, writing poetry, and riding his bike.