APAICS | Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies

Hansen Clarke, a native of the 13th Congressional District, spent most of his life on the east-side of Detroit near Mack and Baldwin.   His mother, who became a single parent after his father died when he was eight, raised him on her school crossing-guard salary.  Money was tight, but love and support was plentiful.

Recognizing that her son had a gift for the arts, Thelma secured a grant for Hansen to receive private lessons at the Detroit Institute of the Arts. This move would prove to be life changing. Based on his artistic talent, Hansen received a scholarship from Cornell University, where he majored in painting. Concerned that students who needed financial aid might not receive it, Hansen was elected to a student seat on Cornell’s Board of Trustees. He worked to ensure that Cornell provide financial aid to students whose families needed assistance. Shortly after graduation, Hansen enrolled at Georgetown Law School were he earned his Juris Doctor degree.

His love for arts never diminished and his passion to help others persevered. After passing the bar, Hansen Clarke returned to Detroit and dedicated his career to serving his neighborhood. He was elected three times to the Michigan House of Representatives. In 2002, he was elected to the Michigan State Senate by defeating an incumbent. Clarke represents the 1st District. Hansen’s dedication to reviving his hometown of Detroit and holding government accountable continues as he seeks a seat in the U.S. Congress. As a visual artist, Hansen recently donated his paintings to charities including the Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS).

While in the legislature, Hansen championed for improved public education, led the fight to save home values and to stop foreclosures, and wrote legislation to cut the costs of home, auto, and business insurance. He is Democratic Vice Chair to two Committees – Health Policy; Commerce and Tourism – and he also serves on the Judiciary; Banking and Financial Institutions; Government Operations and Reform; Energy Policy and Public Utilities Committees. www.senate.michigan.gov/clarke/

Hansen is the chair of the Cornell University Committee on Sustainability: Energy, Environment, and Economic Development. He served as vice-chairman of the National Conference of State Legislatures Trade, Economic Development and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Law Revision Commission, as past president of the Michigan Public Purchasing Officers Association, as well as treasurer of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

[Official Bio from Campaign Website]