In total, there are 6 democrats and 3 republican candidates in the race.
The district encompasses the majority of the City of Dearborn (map attached).
- Who are you?
My name is Abdullah Hammoud and I am a lifelong resident of Dearborn, Mich. I am the second-eldest son of five children whose parents immigrated to Dearborn decades ago. I am a product of Dearborn Public Schools, having attended McDonald Elementary School, Woodworth Middle School, and Fordson High School. I earned my Bachelor’s in Science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and continued on to earn my Master’s in Public Health from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. After working for three years as a healthcare consultant in Michigan, I felt a profound need to serve the international community, which led me to serve as a volunteer with the United Nations Relief and Work Agency in Jordan. Currently, I am a professional healthcare advisor for Henry Ford Health System and Health Alliance Plan.
- Why are you running?
My whole life, I have been unwavering in my commitment to Dearborn, serving my community as a volunteer, advocate and community activist. Running for office is a way for me to continue serving the community that fostered my growth and success. I believe Dearborn needs a leader who will enact change and be a voice for our community, and I hope to be that leader.
- What do you hope to accomplish if you win?
First and foremost, I hope to be a voice for the Dearborn residents in Lansing and support legislation that is advantageous to our community. I hope to: improve our public school system by allocating more resources to education; protect Michigan’s environment and natural resources by opposing bills that would harm our land, air and water; guarantee accessible and affordable healthcare for all; and invest in our economic development by supporting small businesses.
- Some might consider 26 a young age to run for state office. Do you think age is something that will hurt you in this race?
I definitely do not believe that age is a proxy for experience. Over the years, I have accumulated the professional and policy qualifications, experience, and skills to run for office. I received the age rhetoric early in my academic career, but I was able to start my master’s program at the age of 20 and graduated youngest in my class. I am sure my experience in the policy arena, especially in health and environment, will speak for itself in this race.
