Hector Santiago

Growing up in Detroit, Hector Santiago learned the value of faith, community, treating others with respect, and hard work as the oldest of four kids.

A graduate of Western High School, Hector excelled in the classroom and on the baseball field and was the first in his family to attend college. He helped care for his father on dialysis, an experience that gave him a firsthand understanding of the importance of healthcare access.

Following a nonviolent offense charge, Hector qualified for the city’s Project Clean Slate program and successfully obtained expungement, giving him the opportunity of a second chance and inspired him to pursue public service.

For nearly a decade, Hector has led a workforce development program dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life, job training, and expanding youth education opportunities for Detroiters. His direct work with returning citizens has helped hundreds of people overcome barriers to employment and get a second chance when most had counted them out of society.

Hector and his wife Liz are raising two girls in Southwest Detroit. In his spare time, Hector coaches youth baseball, mentors in conflict resolution, and teaches Sunday school.

For Hector, the challenges facing Detroit aren’t just rhetorical — they are deeply personal. He is running for Detroit City Council to bring people together and get results for the community he’s proud to call home. Hector’s fresh perspective, lived experience, and commitment to economic and social justice ensure he will be a strong voice for the people.