Samantha Steckloff
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
from the 37th district
Assumed office
January 1, 2021
Preceded byChristine Greig
Personal details
Bornc. 1984 (age 39–40)
Farmington Hills, Michigan, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Residence(s)Farmington Hills, Michigan, U.S.
EducationPurdue University
WebsiteSamantha Steckloff

Samantha Rae Steckloff (born c. 1984) is an American politician serving as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 37th district. Elected in 2020, she assumed office on January 1, 2021.[1] Prior to that, Steckloff served 8 years on the Farmington Hills City Council.

Early life and education

Steckloff was born around 1984 in Farmington Hills, Michigan to mother Vicki Barnett. In 2002 she graduated from her home city's Harrison High School.[2] As a teenager, Steckloff got involved with community activism through the Farmington Hills After School program and as a charter member of the Mayor's Youth Council.[3] In 2006, Steckloff earned a bachelor's degree in foreign policy from Purdue University.[4][5] During her time at Purdue University, Steckloff became the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns' youngest youth coordinator.[3]

Career

Steckloff was first elected to the Farmington Hills City Council in 2013.[6] During her time on the council, she successfully advocated for the creation of a city community health commission, the first of its kind in Michigan. On November 3, 2020, Steckloff was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, where she has represented the 37th district since January 1, 2021.[4] She resigned from the city council to serve in the state legislature.[7]

In the Michigan House, Steckloff serves on the Appropriations Committee and is Vice-Chair of the Transportation Subcommittee. She also is a member of the Joint Capital Outlay and Licensing & Regulatory Affairs/Insurance & Financial Services Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee.[8]

Personal life

In 2015, Steckloff was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer. Due to the diagnosis, Steckloff experienced bouts of depression and suicidal thoughts. Her experiences were featured in the 2016 Public Broadcasting Service documentary Death Is Not the Answer.[9] In September 2020, Steckloff married Brandon Sundheimer.[10] Steckloff is Jewish.[4]

References

  1. ^ Michigan Committee Statement of Organization. Michigan Secretary of State, March 16, 2021.
  2. ^ Kadrich, Brad (11 May 2016). "Farmington Hills' Steckloff shares her cancer story with students". Hometown Life. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  3. ^ a b "MEET YOUR 37TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY CANDIDATES". Farmington Voice. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c "Samantha Steckloff". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  5. ^ "Open state House seats bring competitive primary races to Oakland County". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  6. ^ "3 current or former Farmington Hills City Council members running for state representative in primary election". The Oakland Press. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  7. ^ "Farmington Hills seeking council member to fill vacancy". The Oakland Press. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  8. ^ "Rep. Samantha Steckloff". Retrieved 2021-05-30.
  9. ^ "Hills city councilwoman featured in documentary on suicide, depression". C&G Newspapers. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  10. ^ "STECKLOFF SEES TOUGH FIRST TERM IN REPUBLICAN-CONTROLLED HOUSE". Farmington Voice. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
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