Tupac Amaru Hunter (born July 25, 1973) is an American politician who is a former member of the Michigan Senate, representing the 5th district which encompasses northwest Detroit, Dearborn Heights and Inkster.[1][2] He served as the Minority Floor Leader.

Tupac A. Hunter
Member of the Michigan Senate
from the 5th district
In office
January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2014
Preceded byBurton Leland
Succeeded byDavid Knezek
Minority Floor Leader of the Michigan Senate
In office
January 1, 2011 – December 31, 2014
DeputyHoon Yung Hopgood
Preceded byBuzz Thomas
Succeeded byMorris Hood III
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
from the 9th district
In office
January 1, 2003 – December 31, 2006
Preceded byFred Durhal Jr.
Succeeded byShanelle Jackson
Personal details
Born (1973-07-25) July 25, 1973 (age 51)
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseRaShawn M. Hunter
Alma materMorehouse College (B.A.)
Oakland University (M.P.A.)

Background

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Tupac A. Hunter was born and raised in Detroit. He graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy in 1991. In 1995, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Studies and Public Policy from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He also holds a Master of Public Administration Degree from Oakland University.

Political career

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In November 2010, Tupac A. Hunter was re-elected to a second term in the Michigan Senate representing the citizens of the 5th District, which comprises northwest Detroit, Dearborn Heights, and Inkster.[3] He was unanimously elected by his colleagues to serve as the Minority Floor Leader for the 2011-14 legislative session. He previously served as the Assistant Minority Leader during his first term in the Michigan Senate (2007–2010). Prior to being elected to the Michigan Senate, he served in the Michigan House of Representatives (2003–2006) where he was the Minority Whip (2005–2006).

Issues

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Senator Hunter's legislative interests covered banking and financial services, consumer protection, criminal justice, economic development, education, ethics in government, and health care insurance reform. His legislative agenda has produced 27 Public Acts and one constitutional amendment[4] to date. He sponsored legislation to encourage financial literacy and fair lending practices; fought for the passage of Michigan's law mandating smoke-free workplaces; and advocated for policies relating to children's health, including legislation that would require insurance companies to cover treatments for children with autism spectrum disorders.[5]

Honors and recognition

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  • The Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Honoree (2013)
  • Michigan Association of State and Federal Program Specialists Roberta Stanley Legislative Award (2010)
  • Autism Insurance for Michigan Coalition Legislative Champion Award (2010)
  • American Heart Association Heart Champion Award (2010)
  • Hearing Loss Association of Michigan Legislator of the Year Award (2009)
  • Michigan Deaf Association Legislator of the Year Award (2009)
  • Michigan Children’s Trust Fund Seasoned Advocate Award (2008)
  • Michigan Credit Union League Legislator of the Year Award (2007)
  • Who’s Who in Black Detroit Honoree (2006–2010)

Electoral history

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Michigan Senate District 5 General Election, 2010
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Tupac A. Hunter (Incumbent) 44,055 83.3
Republican Bonnie Patrick 8,856 16.7 −66.6
Michigan Senate District 5 General Election, 2006
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Tupac A. Hunter 56,252 85.3
Republican David Malhalab 8,164 12.4 −72.9
Green James Wolbrink 1,510 2.3 −83.0
Michigan House of Representatives District 9 General Election, 2004
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Tupac A. Hunter (Incumbent) 33,020 95.0
Republican Richard Zeile 1,729 5.0 −90.0
Michigan House of Representatives District 9 General Election, 2002
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Tupac A. Hunter 22,098 94.5
Republican Richard Zeile 1,294 5.5 −89.0

References

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  1. ^ Michigan Legislative Service Bureau (2006). Michigan Manual 2005-2006. Lansing, MI: Legislative Council, State of Michigan. pp. 210. ISBN 978-1-878210-06-7. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  2. ^ Michigan Senate Democrats (2007). "Michigan Senate Democrats: About Tupac Hunter". Archived from the original on 2007-02-19. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  3. ^ Michigan 2010 legislative election results
  4. ^ Michiganders vote yes on felon law, no on ConCon
  5. ^ Michigan Legislature legislation search, 2009-2010
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