Arab-American Muslim mayor re-elected in Dearborn, Michigan
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- Incumbent Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud secured a landslide re-election victory, capturing approximately 71% of the vote.
- Hammoud, the first Arab-American Muslim mayor of Dearborn, defeated political newcomer Nagi Almudhegi, reinforcing Muslim electoral success in the US
Incumbent Mayor of the US city of Dearborn Abdullah Hammoud secured a resounding re-election victory in the general election, capturing approximately 71% of the vote.
Hammoud, the first Arab-American Muslim mayor of Dearborn, Michigan, defeated challenger Nagi Almudhegi, an IT engineer and political newcomer, who garnered about 28% of the ballots.
With all precincts reporting, Hammoud received around 18,531 votes compared to Almudhegi's 7,294, according to unofficial results.
Hammoud, 35, was first elected in 2021 and campaigned on his administration's achievements, including investments in parks, public safety enhancements, and achieving the lowest tax rate in 15 years.
The final weeks included polarizing social media posts and text messages, including anti-Lebanese rhetoric aimed at Hammoud, which Almudhegi publicly condemned.
Abdullah Hammoud is the first Arab-American and first Muslim mayor in the history of Dearborn, Michigan, elected in 2021.
However, he is not the first Muslim or Arab-American mayor in the United States overall, as other cities had elected Muslim mayors before him. For example, Mohammed Hameeduddin served as mayor of Teaneck, New Jersey in 2010.
Born to Lebanese immigrant parents, Hammoud identifies as a practicing Muslim.
Muslim Winners
Hammoud's victory aligns with a broader trend of Muslim candidates achieving electoral success across the United States, particularly in areas with significant Muslim communities.
In the 2024 federal elections, Muslim incumbents like Rashida Tlaib from Michigan and Ilhan Omar from Minnesota secured re-election to the US House of Representatives, marking continued representation for the first two Muslim women in Congress.
Andre Carson from Indiana also won re-election, bringing the total number of Muslim members in the House to at least three, with reports suggesting up to five including newcomers or others in state races.
These wins reflect a surge in Muslim political engagement, driven by issues like foreign policy, civil rights, and community empowerment.
A standout example tying into this momentum is Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim Democratic Socialist of Ugandan-Indian descent, who made history by winning the 2025 New York City mayoral election.
Mamdani, previously a state assemblymember, defeated high-profile challengers including former Governor Andrew Cuomo, becoming the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of the nation's largest city.
