Representative Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) was first elected to the House of Representatives in November 2016 representing the 15^th House District, which includes a portion of the City of Dearborn.  Prior to his election, he worked as a health care consultant and advisor and has served as a board member for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a Master in Public Health from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

1.    What attracted you to running for the Legislature?
The prospect of representing my hometown was the initial inspiration. Dearborn is the community that provided my family and I with everything – from financial opportunity to social freedoms. Running for the Legislature was about utilizing this platform to not only provide a voice for my community but, more importantly, deliver results.

2.    When did you first realize you wanted to be a Dem/GOP?  
Growing up, I was extremely active within my community – working on several campaigns throughout my adolescence. The candidates I found myself supporting were always Democrats. So, it wasn’t much of a surprise that when I announced for office, I announced as a Democrat.  

a.    What attributes of your party do you most identify with?
There are many attributes that I identify with in the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party stands up for and voices the concerns of the hardworking middle-class, which is the backbone of our country, Michigan, and my district. Our party fights for and supports socially progressive values, working to ensure that no individual is discriminated against regardless of any component of their identity

3.    What individuals from your community have shaped and prepared you to be a legislator?
There are countless individuals that helped shape and prepare me. Firstly, I’d have to start with my mother. She has an ability to connect with every individual that walks into her office. At the end of the day, my number one responsibility is to listen to my constituents and address the issues that are important to them. I’ve also been fortunate enough to have mentors such as Ishmael Ahmed, Fred Hoffman, and Jim Stokes – all individuals with experience in Lansing. Lastly, I’ll note that I am lucky enough to represent the district where the Honorable John Dingell and current Congresswoman Debbie Dingell reside – two individuals who have undoubtedly served as role models for being effective legislators who voice the concerns of their constituents.

4.    What issues would you like to advocate for because of a personal life experience?
Given my public health background and many years of health policy experience, one issue that I plan to strongly advocate for is tackling the substance and drug-use epidemic. It is something that plagues not only my district, but the entire State of Michigan.  Many community members have lost their lives, or family or friend’s lives, to addiction and I believe we need a multi-faceted solution to address this crisis.

5.    Not having previously served as a public official, what are the greatest expectations you hope are achieved and what situations/scenarios do you hope to avoid?  
The greatest thing I can hope to achieve is to truly deliver results that have a positive impact on the lives of Dearborn families. Being able to say that I have helped make tomorrow better than today, for all Michiganians, would bring me fulfillment.

I hope to avoid the bitter aspects of partisan politics. It disappoints me when politicians grandstand or bicker over things instead of coming together to find a solution.  I believe the ability to communicate with legislators on both sides of the isle is extremely important, and I understand that compromise is not a negative thing. Only by working collectively can we push forth an agenda that sends Michigan forward. However, I am willing to stand up for what I believe in and work to do what is best for my constituents.

6.    How has your previous career, political or private sector, shaped the legislator you will be?
Over the last 6 years, my professional career evolved from being an analyst who was entrenched in the data to a senior advisor providing actionable recommendations regarding corporate and market strategy for a major organization. Throughout my career, my success has always depended on the ability to communicate with others, as well as the ability to identify valid sources of information to assist with the decision-making process. I believe those experiences go hand-in-hand with being an effective legislator. As a legislator, I understand that I do not know and will not know everything about everything. Rather, it is important that I have an open-door policy with individuals and organizations who are providing valuable insight on a given topic, and use that information to communicate with all the stakeholders involved to deliver the best possible solution.

7.    What one thing would you like to highlight that makes your district special?
I’d like to highlight Dearborn’s diversity. It is a community that is both economically and culturally diverse. We are a small business haven that is also home to some of the largest organizations in the state – from Ford Motor Company to the University of Michigan-Dearborn to Beaumont Oakwood. Additionally, the community I represent is home to the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the country, further adding to the diversity of our small business portfolio. Most importantly, the diversity of my district and our ability to embrace each other is what makes us strong and unique.

8.    What are some of your favorite activities to participate in on your free time?
In my free time, I spend a lot of time with my family –  I am one of five siblings – as well as with my dog, Kussa (which means squash in Arabic). I’m also extremely active and enjoy working out, training in the mixed martial arts, and competing in obstacle courses such as the Warrior Dash or Tough Mudder.

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