Abraham Aiyash

Abraham Aiyash (Arabic: أبراهام عياش) is an American politician who served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 2020 to 2024. A member of the Democratic Party, Aiyash served as the chamber's majority floor leader. He represented much of Detroit's Midtown, New Center, North End, Boston Edison, Virginia Park, and all of the city of Hamtramck.

Early life and education

Aiyash was born and raised in Hamtramck, Michigan, the seventh of eight children. His parents immigrated to Michigan from Yemen. Aiyash was educated in the Hamtramck Public Schools and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University, where he studied pre-medicine, political science, and Muslim studies.

Career

When he was 13, Aiyash worked as a community organizer for the Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign. In 2015 and 2016, he worked in the office of State Rep. Rose Mary Robinson.

In 2018, Aiyash was a candidate for the Democratic primary to represent Michigan's 2nd Senate district. He finished second after Adam Hollier, who won the general election. During his campaign, Aiyash was endorsed by the ''Detroit Free Press''.

Abraham announced his candidacy for the 4th district of the Michigan House of Representatives following the death of Isaac Robinson in March 2020. In the Democratic primary, Aiyash placed first in a field of 13 candidates. He defeated Republican nominee Howard Weathington, Working Class Party candidate Linda Rayburn, and Independent MD Rabbi Alam in the November general election. He assumed office on December 1, 2020.

In 2023, Aiyash became majority leader of the House of Representatives, the first Arab-American to do so. He also became the highest-ranking Muslim American in the state's legislative history.

Aiyash did not run for reelection in 2024. He was succeeded by Joe Tate in the 9th district, which had been redistricted due to a legal challenge.

Political positions

Aiyash has shown support for clean energy, legislation against pollution and other issues surrounding the environmental and public health.

Aiyash has advanced legislation aimed at gun reform to curb gun violence. Aiyash has proposed legislation to make Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr state holidays.

Aiyash supports expanding civil rights. In 2023, he co-sponsored a bill in the Michigan state legislature which amended the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for the LGBTQ community.

On October 12, 2023, 5 days after the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, in which 1,195 Israelis were killed, of which 815 were civilians, including 36 children, 3,400 civilians and soldiers wounded, and 251 civilians and soldiers taken captive, Aiyash opposed a resolution calling for the support of Israel and condemnation of the attack, saying the resolution fails to recognize the suffering of the Palestinians. Aiyash stated "I think any conversation around what is happening in Israel and Palestine that makes no acknowledgement of the 70-plus year occupation and mistreatment of the Palestinian people is disrespectful.”

Electoral history

See also

* History of the Middle Eastern people in Metro Detroit

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