From ESL Classes to the Capitol: Abbas Alawieh’s Hopeful Journey to Michigan State Senate

By Rayan Bazzi Staff Writer

Abbas Alawieh discussing the photographs hung in his office // Wren Snyder, MJ photographer

Running for Michigan State Senate in District 2, Abbas Alawieh has an impressive and inspiring journey from his seat in ESL class as a kid to Capital Hill. Born into a Lebanese immigrant working-class family that relied on public assistance, Alwaeih plans to put his focus on protecting working class families in his district.

For families of all backgrounds across Taylor, Allen Park, Dearborn, and South Dearborn Heights, Alawieh says that their “very democracy is under attack” and he has “the experience of both sympathizing with their economic plight,” as well as “the experience and expertise necessary to step up and straighten their voices on critical issues.”

After completing his K-12 public education, Alawieh attended the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor on a full tuition scholarship. There he studied anthropology and completed his graduate studies in public health policy that led him on his path to Capitol Hill. Alawieh underscores how this trajectory, while highly unlikely for him as an immigrant kid from Dearborn, allowed him to see “how much good government can do…when the elected offices that govern over us are used to help people.”

Alawieh’s priorities reflect his deeply personal commitment to justice. On matters of immigration, he has stood alongside communities targeted by unjust policies. “I’ve gone to more rallies than I could count,” he says, emphasizing that opposing ICE is not just a political stance. When a friend at Avisa (African Bureau for Immigrant Social Affairs) shared the story of an 18-year-old high school student detained by ICE, Alawieh sprang into action, raising $10,000 to secure his release. As senator, he promises to be a vocal advocate for his constituents, families and students alike, ensuring their liberties are protected.

Education is a cornerstone of his platform. “Our public education system is being so severely undercut and underfunded,” he states. With the Trump Administration’s cuts to higher education, Alawieh is pushing to reinvest in public colleges and universities, protect academic freedom, and ensure institutions like UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint are “not treated as afterthoughts” in the UM system.

Having completed dual-enrollment courses at UM-Dearborn, he notes that he experienced the system’s potential as well as its flaws. He insists that, “The University of Michigan system would be at its best” if all campuses were treated equally, vowing to work with university leaders on this front.

In an era where accountability in government officials feels scarce, Alawieh offers visibility, integrity, and action. He not only talks about showing up for communities, but has done it. Whether by fighting for immigrant populations or demanding change for higher education institutions, his plans for Michigan’s Senate District 2 are rooted in transparency and close engagement.

As the August Primary Election draws closer, for voters seeking a leader who will stand up to unjust authority, protect public education, and champion working families, Abbas Alaweih is a candidate worthy of their support.