Dearborn’s First Arab American Mayor Abdullah Hammoud Reflects on Historic Victory
Although viewed by many as the “capital of Arab America,” Dearborn has never had an Arab American or Muslim mayor — until now.
Despite having one of the largest Arab populations in America, Dearborn has never had an Arab American or Muslim mayor. That is, until now. State Rep. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) won the city’s mayoral race in Tuesday’s elections, meaning he will soon be the first Arab American to serve in that position.
“Just in the late ’80s, people were talking about ‘the Arab problem’ [in Dearborn], and here we are today.” –Dearborn Mayor-elect Abdullah Hammoud
He shared his vision for the job and what this historic moment means for him.
Listen: Dearborn Mayor-elect Abdullah Hammoud reflects on historic mayoral victory.
Guest
Abdullah Hammoud is mayor-elect of the City of Dearborn. He’s a Democratic state representative serving Michigan’s 15th state House district.
The son of Lebanese immigrants, an epidemiologist by trade, says his election is a sign of progress in a city with a long history of racism and xenophobia.
“Just in the late ’80s, people were talking about ‘the Arab problem’ [in Dearborn], and here we are today,” says Hammoud.
He says his focus is on his policy goals, which he says will improve the city for all residents.
“We never sought to be the first, we sought to be the best,” he says.
Related: Policing and Flooding Among Key Issues in Dearborn Mayoral Election
Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.
WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
