Candidate Abdullah Hammoud has announced his victory in the race for mayor of Dearborn, a city located in Michigan. Hammoud has become the first person of Arab descent to hold the office of mayor in Dearborn, a city with a population of 110,000. Hammoud won against Gary Woronchak, a former state representative and former Wayne County commissioner, with 54.6% of the votes compared to 45%, according to the results announced by American media.
In a tweet, Hammoud said: "Dearborn, we won! Our residents spoke loudly. We want change and bold leadership to tackle the challenges facing our city." He added: "We live in the greatest city in America, and I am excited about what we can achieve together. Let's get to work!"
Hammoud competed against seven other candidates in the nonpartisan primary election in August, receiving 42% of the votes. Woronchak came in second with 18.5%, and the two advanced to the general election in November.
Hammoud, 31, was born to immigrant parents from Lebanon and grew up in a working-class environment with parents who struggled to support their family. He studied biology and earned a master's degree in public health and an MBA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
In a previous interview, Hammoud stated that Dearborn "can compete again" and "address the infrastructure issues" facing the city. Flooding was a significant problem this year, as candidates discussed how to solve issues that the city has faced for years, particularly in the eastern part of Dearborn. According to the U.S. Census, 47% of Dearborn's population is of Arab descent.
