+ − Contact Information
Email Address: harveysantana@house.mi.gov
Phone: (517) 373-6990
+ − Biography
State Representative Harvey Santana is a native Detroiter and 1990 graduate of Chadsey High School. He joined the U.S. Navy two weeks after graduation and earned the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. During his enlistment, Representative Santana was involved in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and relief efforts in Bosnia, Somalia and Haiti.
Representative Santana is the oldest of two children and the first college graduate in his family. He began his studies at Henry Ford Community College and later enrolled at Eastern Michigan University. He graduated from EMU in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and in 2005 with a master’s degree in public administration.
After graduating, Representative Santana worked in the private sector as a transportation planner for an engineering firm. His project involvement included the Detroit Intermodal Freight Terminal, Detroit River International Crossing as well as many other transportation infrastructure projects.
Before being elected in 2010, Representative Santana was a grass-roots leader in Northwest Detroit. He served as President of the Warrendale Community Organization and also as a drill instructor for at-risk youth. Today, Representative Santana continues his involvement in the community as an assistant soccer coach for the Rosedale Park Youth Soccer League and as a motivational speaker and mentor to area youth.
Since joining the Legislature, Representative Santana has played a key role in the passage of legislation benefiting Detroit and the residents of his district. He has built a reputation for his direct approach, passionate speeches and willingness to work across the aisle in a bipartisan manner.
Representative Harvey Santana is a devoted husband to his wife, Sylvia, and dedicated father to his daughters, Sofia and Olivia. In his free time, he enjoys the challenge of running marathons and mountain biking.
