Harvey Santana Explained

Harvey Santana
State House:Michigan
District:9th
Term Start:January 1, 2013
Term End:December 31, 2016
Predecessor:Shanelle Jackson
Successor:Sylvia Santana
State House2:Michigan
District2:10th
Term Start2:January 1, 2011
Term End2:December 31, 2012
Predecessor2:Gabe Leland
Successor2:Phil Cavanagh
Birth Date:10 July 1972
Birth Place:Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Party:Democratic
Spouse:Sylvia Santana
Children:3
Alma Mater:Eastern Michigan University
Profession:Urban Planner
Rank: Petty Officer Third Class
Battles:Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm

Harvey Santana (born July 10, 1972) is an American politician and urban planner who served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 2011 to 2016.[1]

Career

Early career

Prior to his election to the legislature, Santana served in the United States Navy, serving overseas in Operation Desert Shield/DesertStorm, Bosnia, Somalia and Haiti.[1] Santana was a transportation planner for an engineering firm in the private sector. He was president of the Warrendale Community Organization and served as a legislative assistant to Detroit City Council President Kenneth Cockrel Jr.[1]

Politics

Santana entered a crowded, nine-person field for the Democratic nomination in the 10th District in the Michigan House of Representatives to succeed state incumbent Gabe Leland, who was term-limited. Santana was announced as the winner of election night, taking 35 percent, beating his nearest opponent Stacy Pugh, by just 82 votes.[2] Due to the small margin of his victory, Pugh requested a recount.[3] Santana was later declared the winner by the State's Board of Canvassers, defeating Pugh by 85 votes.[4]

In December 2011, Santana made headlines when he lunged at fellow Democratic state Rep. David Nathan during a heated exchange on the House floor. After the altercation, Santana was temporarily removed from the House floor and the rest of the chamber was ordered to stay at their desks, which was termed by some at the state Capitol as an "adult time-out."[5]

In 2015, Santana was expelled from the Democratic caucus in the Michigan House of Representatives for accepting a committee assignment from Republican House Speaker Kevin Cotter that House Minority Leader Tim Greimel wanted to go to Rep. Brandon Dillon.[6] Santana criticized House Democratic leadership and despite being removed from the caucus, he would continue to work with Democrats and Republicans to best serve the interests of his district.

Later career

In January 2017, Santana was tapped by Governor Rick Snyder to work in the Office of Urban Initiatives.[7] His work focused on assisting members of the Detroit caucus advance legislation as well as corrections reform.

Santana transitioned his political career into law enforcement and became a Wayne County Sheriff Deputy in 2018.

Notes and References

  1. http://legislature.mi.gov/(S(2sz25m45xinw3w45wkaa2a45))/documents/2011-2012/michiganmanual/2011-MM-P0272-p0272.pdf 2011–2012 Michigan Manual: State Representative Harvey Santana
  2. Web site: Wayne County election results: Mary Waters loses State Senate bid, more . MLive . Aaron Foley . August 4, 2010 . June 30, 2016.
  3. Web site: Mary Sheffield, Stacy Pugh request recounts in closely-contested primaries for Michigan House . MLive . Associated Press . August 26, 2010 . June 30, 2016.
  4. Web site: Meeting of the Board of State Canvassers . Michigan Department of State . September 29, 2010 . June 30, 2016.
  5. Web site: Michigan lawmakers get 'adult timeout' after fight breaks out on state House floor . Michigan Public Radio . Zoe Clark . December 16, 2011 . June 30, 2016.
  6. Web site: Michigan lawmaker says he was booted from Democratic caucus after committee post dispute . MLive . Jonathan Oosting . February 3, 2015 . June 26, 2016.
  7. Web site: SOM – Gov. Snyder announces staff changes in Michigan Office of Urban Initiatives. www.michigan.gov. 2020-05-12.