Tupac A. Hunter

Túpac 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.

Túpac Amaru Hunter
Member of the Michigan Senate from the 5th district
In office January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2014
Preceded by	Burton Leland
Succeeded by	David Knezek
Minority Floor Leader of the Michigan Senate
In office January 1, 2011 – December 31, 2014
Deputy	Hoon Yung Hopgood
Preceded by	Buzz Thomas
Succeeded by	Morris Hood III
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 9th district
In office January 1, 2003 – December 31, 2006
Preceded by	Fred Durhal Jr.
Succeeded by	Shanelle Jackson
Personal details
Born	(1973-07-25) July 25, 1973 (age 52) Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	RaShawn M. Hunter
Alma mater	Morehouse College (B.A.) Oakland University (M.P.A.)

Background

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

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

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

• 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

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