Abdullah Hammoud
Abdullah Hammoud | |
---|---|
7th Mayor of Dearborn | |
Assumed office January 1, 2022 | |
Preceded by | John B. O'Reilly Jr. |
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 15th district | |
In office January 1, 2017 – December 29, 2021 | |
Preceded by | George Darany |
Succeeded by | Jeffrey Pepper |
Personal details | |
Born | Dearborn, Michigan, U.S. | March 19, 1990
Political party | Democratic |
Education | University of Michigan-Dearborn (BS) University of Michigan (MPH) University of Michigan (MBA) |
Abdullah Hammoud (Template:Lang-ar; born March 19, 1990) is an American politician who is the mayor of Dearborn, Michigan, a position to which he was elected on November 2, 2021. Hammoud had previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives, representing 15th district since 2017.[1][2]
Hammoud is the first Arab-American and first Muslim mayor of Dearborn as well as the second youngest mayor in the city’s history.[3] His win is considered historic as the city is home to one of the largest Middle Eastern and Muslim populations per capita in the United States.[4]
Early life and education
Hammoud was born in Dearborn, Michigan, to immigrants from Lebanon.[5] His dad worked as a truck driver and his mom, who had not completed high school, pursued education then became a small business owner.[6] He earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Michigan–Dearborn, a Master of Public Health in epidemiology and genetics from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and a Master's of Business Administration from the University of Michigan-Ross.[7]
Michigan House of Representatives
At 26, then a healthcare advisor at the Henry Ford Health System, Hammoud decided to run for office after his older brother unexpectedly died.[5] Hammoud defeated Republican nominee Terrance Guido Gerin, a WWE professional wrestler, in the general election by a margin of 61-38%.[1] Upon his election, Hammoud became the first Arab American and Muslim to represent the 15th district.[8]
Tenure
Hammoud backed Senator Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries.[9]
When President Joe Biden visited a Ford factory in Dearborn during the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis, Hammoud gave him a letter calling for a ceasefire and a re-evaluation of the Israel–United States relationship.[10]
Mayor of Dearborn
2021 campaign
On January 25, 2021, Hammoud announced he would run for Mayor of Dearborn.[11][12] Election night results on the August 3rd primary showed him in first with 50% followed by Susan Dabaja with 15.6% and Tom Tafelski with 13.5%. Hammoud finished first and he advanced to a November 2 general election against Gary Woronchak.[13][14] In the November election, Hammoud won the race for mayor, making him the first Arab American and first Muslim mayor of Dearborn.[4] His term began January 1, 2022.[15]
Personal life
He is married to Fatima Beydoun, a doctor.[11] They have a daughter, Maryam. He is a Shia Muslim.
References
- ^ a b Raven, Benjamin (November 9, 2016). "WWE's Rhyno gored by Abdullah Hammoud in Dearborn state House race". MLive.com. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- ^ "News From Rep. Hammoud". housedems.com. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
- ^ https://www.pressandguide.com/2022/02/16/salina-students-interview-dearborn-mayor-abdullah-hammoud/
- ^ a b Warikoo, Niraj (2021-11-03). "Abdullah Hammoud elected first Arab American mayor of Dearborn". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on 2021-11-03. Retrieved 2021-11-03.
- ^ a b Elbaba, Rawan (September 21, 2017). "Rep. Abdullah Hammoud Is Breaking down Stereotypes in Michigan's Legislature". Teen Vogue. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- ^ "The Unexpected Politician". May 15, 2017. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- ^ Zadikian, John (July 6, 2021). "Election 2021: Dearborn mayoral candidate profiles: Abdullah Hammoud". Dearborn Press and Guide. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- ^ Najm, Zeinab (December 15, 2016). "Hammoud set to become first Muslim to represent Dearborn in Legislature". Downriver Sunday Times. Times-Herald Newspapers. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- ^ Mauger, Craig (February 27, 2020). "Michigan House Democratic floor leader backs Sanders". The Detroit News. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- ^ Abbas, Hassan (May 19, 2021). "Abdullah Hammoud talks of his interaction with Biden in Dearborn, handing him letter on Palestine". The Arab American News. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- ^ a b Abbas, Hassan (January 25, 2021). "Abdullah Hammoud announces campaign for Dearborn mayor". The Arab American News. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- ^ Suchyta, Sue (January 29, 2021). "Hammoud announces run for Dearborn mayor". Dearborn Times-Herald. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- ^ "City of Dearborn August 3 Primary Election Results". WDET.
- ^ Hicks, Mary (August 3, 2021). "Hammoud takes early lead in Dearborn mayoral primary". The Detroit News. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- ^ Gibbons, Lauren (December 4, 2021). "Whitmer sets special election dates for vacant state House seats". MLive. Retrieved December 19, 2021.