Abdullah Hammoud.

DEARBORN — Lifelong Dearborn resident and community member Abdullah Hammoud officially announced his candidacy for state representative in the 15th District this week. 

Hammoud is one of the few candidates vying to fill the seat of incumbent, term-limited State Rep. George Darany, whose tenure ends this year. 

Hammoud is a product of the Dearborn Public Schools, having graduated from Fordson High School before earning his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He went on to earn a master’s in public health from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. 

He said his campaign is focused on investing in Dearborn’s future by affording a first-class education for all students, protecting Michigan’s environment and natural resources, guaranteeing accessible and affordable healthcare for all and investing in economic development to ensure a healthy, safe and quality life for all Dearborn residents.

He said the city of Dearborn has earned a positive reputation over the years as being the hub and center of small businesses. He would pass measures that would make the city more welcoming for entrepreneurs. 

“When I think of Dearborn, I think of it as one of the most successful small business cities in the state,” Hammoud said. “I would like to provide easier barriers of entry for business owners, such as start-up loans for businesses that would push forth entrepreneurships.”

He said other issues that are often overlooked include protecting labor unions and ensuring that veterans are provided with resources when they return home. 

Hammoud described Dearborn as a melting pot of residents from various cultures, ethnicities and religions who need a voice in Lansing. 

“I am an Arab American Muslim, but I will certainly represent all of the constituents in Dearborn,” he said. “I want to speak on behalf of all those who reside here, whether they voted for me or not. It’s all about representing the diversity that Dearborn has to offer.”

He said he’s willing to adjust his platform based on the feedback he receives from local residents. He plans to engage with residents by going door-to-door, contacting them by phone and attending events. 

The 25-year-old is looking to use his age to mobilize younger voters and get them engaged on the political front.

Hammoud said he shrugs off criticism that he might be too young for the position, stating that he has the qualifications and experience to run for office. He said thinking strategically and being able to identify the right outlets that would build networks and relations makes him a strong candidate. 

“I received the age rhetoric my entire life,” he said. “I got into my master’s program at the age of 19. I heard it in high school, in college and I hear it now. But I’ve overcome every obstacle so far and my experience speaks for itself. If you look at the issues regarding health and environment, I’ve amassed some of the greatest experiences.”

Hammoud cites his involvement with the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, a non-partisan environmental organization that aims to protect Michigan’s land, air and water, as an outlet that has allowed him to gain expertise in public health issues. He became the first and youngest Arab American to sit on the organization’s board of directors. 

He also served as a volunteer consultant for the United Nations Relief Work Agency in Jordan, where he worked on managing health care for Palestinian refugees through fundraising, advocacy and outreach; and is a committee chair for the Arab American Democratic Caucus. In addition, he recently became a member of the Arab American Political Action Committee.

He works as a healthcare advisor for Henry Ford Health System and Health Alliance Plan, where he consults on how to provide the best and most affordable healthcare.

Hammoud said he’s overwhelmed by the outpouring of support he’s received from the community following his announcement. 

His campaign kick-off and meet and greet took place at the Padzieski Art Gallery in the Ford Community Performing Arts Center on Thursday, January 28. More than 150 supporters, local leaders and residents, hoping to learn more about Hammoud’s campaign, attended the event.

“Honestly, I was humbled,” he said. “A lot of people reached out. People I didn’t even expect, who were supportive. There are individuals who weren’t engaged in the political spectrum and now want to be engaged. People are excited to see someone from the community who’s running for the community. They know I’ve been involved in the community for several years. It pushes you that much more to want to succeed.”

More information on Hammoud is available on: www.VoteHammoud.com.