Samuels jumps into race for Henn. Co. commisioner

Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels is the latest elected official to announce his intention to run to replace Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Stenglein, who is resigning at the end of May.

Samuels represents the 5th Ward in north Minneapolis, which contains some of the poorest and most violent neighborhoods in the city. Many of his constituents use county services. Samuels said a seat on the county board would help him better serve the interests of north Minneapolis residents.

He joins State Sen. Linda Higgins, who announced her intention to run last week. Higgins' legislative district overlaps a part of Samuels' Minneapolis ward. Higgins had already decided not to run for a sixth term in the Senate.

The election for Stenglein's seat will take place this November. Stenglein is leaving the county board to serve as CEO and president of the Minneapolis Downtown Council.

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