Somers.

DEARBORN — 19th District Court Judge Mark Somers emerged victorious in his re-election bid against opponent Tony Guerriero, in what was— by far— the most heated and heavily debated race in the city. 

Somers and his supporters were on the edge of their seats all evening long at La Pita, where his campaign staff unwound following the closing of the polls. Once all of the votes had been tallied, Somers was declared the winner by a mere 85 votes. 

Following his victory, Somers told The Arab American News that the outcome of the race should be attributed to the endless support that he received from the community. Somers had a heavy backing from Arab American voters, which included an endorsement from the Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC).

“I feel like all of those who trusted me and believed in me have received the reward,” Somers said. “A campaign victory is never really about just the candidate, it’s about all of those around me who have worked hard for me and believed in me.”

Somers said that the results being so close between himself and Guerriero makes the race all the more noteworthy and demonstrates the impact voters can have on a local race. It’s reminiscent of City Council President Susan Dabaja’s race last year, when she came in first place, ahead of Councilman Thomas Tafelski— by just 32 votes— to become president. 

“In a way, having such a close result is a very special kind of election,” Somers said. “I can look into each person’s eyes, I can shake each person’s hand and say ‘you were the one who did this.’ The victory does not belong to the candidate in that situation, it belongs to each and every single supporter who has helped along the way. It makes it very special.”

Guerriero, who earned 10,090 votes to Somers’ 10,175, couldn’t unseat the judge even with heavy backing from Mayor Jack O’Reilly. In recent weeks, O’Reilly had been vocal in his opposition to Somers’ re-election bid.

Some residents felt that the campaign between the two had been subjected to dirty politics. O’Reilly had claimed the city couldn’t afford to keep Somers as a judge, referencing previous lawsuits that had cost the city close to $500,000. The mayor had distributed a letter to residents explaining his stance against Somers.

But what seemed to be the most shocking accusation was a last minute mailer sent out to residents the week before the elections, claiming Guerriero had sexually harassed a former court employee during his stint as a Dearborn Magistrate. 

On Election Day, The Arab American News spoke with Guerriero at a Dearborn precinct, where he was finally made aware of the mailer. Distraught, Guerriero had claimed that Somers’ campaign was “scandalous” and would “compromise the integrity of the court.”

O’Reilly had told The Arab American News the week prior that the former court employee making those claims had not been credible, as she had been fired from the court for her erratic behavior, which included making derogatory comments against Arab and African Americans. 

Dearborn Chief Judge Sam Salamey was also unwillingly thrown into the battle between Somers and the mayor, when a paid ad by local resident Zouher Abdel Hak appeared in The Arab American News last week that “quoted” Salamey stating that he backed Somers’ bid. The ad went on to slam O’Reilly. 

While Salamey was present at Somers’ fundraiser, he told The Arab American News that he didn’t expect his name to be included in the ad, stating that it was “misleading” and “false.” 

“The judicial race in Dearborn was very emotional, and people took opposite sides; some statements made were out of line,” Abdul-Hak said in a message conveyed by his wife via Facebook. “For that I would like to apologize to Chief Judge Sam Salamey for anything that was said about him here on Facebook. I would like to thank him for accepting my apology in person last night.”

Somers said that his campaign did not engage in any smearing on Election Day. He handed out an instruction sheet to his volunteers that stated “be courteous to everyone, especially those who are representing the opponent. They are volunteers too.”

Despite the divide between residents and city officials, Somers’ supporters appeared enthused that he prevailed. Former Dearborn court employee and Somers supporter Renee Schwartz said the results of the race was a testament to Somers’ character.  

“The truth prevailed and you couldn’t ask for a more fair judge to be on the bench,” Schwartz said. “Somers is someone who has shown respect and integrity throughout his career and I’m positive that will continue.”