Mohamad Baydoun, Arab American Muslim, elected mayor of Dearborn Heights, Michigan

• Mohamad "Mo" Baydoun was elected as the Mayor of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, securing a four-year term with 68% of the vote.
• Baydoun, a lifelong resident and former interim mayor, defeated Councilwoman Denise Malinowski Maxwell

Mohamad "Mo" Baydoun, an Arab American Muslim, was elected mayor of the city of Dearborn Heights in the US state of Michigan, securing a four-year term set to begin in January 2026.

Baydoun, who had been serving as interim mayor since October, defeated Councilwoman Denise Malinowski Maxwell with 68% of the vote, according to unofficial results from Wayne County.

The election drew attention in the Detroit suburb of over 60,000 residents.

Baydoun garnered 5,973 votes compared to Maxwell's 2,781, with all 15 precincts reporting.

A lifelong resident of Dearborn Heights, Baydoun graduated from Crestwood Public Schools and holds a master's degree in public administration from Central Michigan University.

Professionally, Baydoun is a small business owner and serves as a Wayne County Sheriff Reserve Officer, experiences that have informed his focus on community safety and economic growth.

Race for Mayor 

He entered politics in 2021, winning a seat on the Dearborn Heights City Council and later becoming council chair. His tenure included initiatives like improving snow removal, installing traffic signals, and enhancing park maintenance.

Baydoun's path to the mayoral race accelerated when former Mayor Bill Bazzi resigned in October 2025 after his confirmation as US ambassador to Tunisia, leading to Baydoun's appointment as interim mayor.

This interim role allowed him to demonstrate his commitment to transparency and resident engagement, themes central to his campaign. He raised over $210,000 for his bid.

In his campaign, Baydoun emphasized safer streets through increased enforcement against reckless driving, better city services like streamlined permitting, and community-driven development that preserves green spaces.

He positioned himself as a leader who puts people first, drawing from his roles as a husband to Dr. Laila Baydoun and father to two children, Ali and Madina.

Maxwell, who self-funded much of her campaign with about $12,000, focused on her council experience but could not overcome Baydoun's momentum.