Dingell.

DEARBORN – Over the years, Debbie Dingell, a candidate in the race for Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, has strengthened relationships between different ethnic groups. Dingell, a longtime advocate for Arab American issues, says as congresswoman she would continue working to bring people of various backgrounds together. 

“I have always believed in bringing people of diverse backgrounds together. I have a long history of doing it, and that is what I want to continue doing in Washington,” Dingell told The Arab American News during a fundraiser for her campaign Monday at Byblos Banquet Hall in Dearborn. 

Dingell is the wife of Democratic U.S. Rep. John Dingell, the longest serving member of Congress, who will not seek reelection this year. Dingell’s career as a congressman has  spanned 59 years. 

“I am not running to replace my husband, because he is irreplaceable,” Dingell said. 

Over the decades the couple has represented Arab Americans on various issues. Dingell testified on behalf of the community during the congressional hearings U.S. Rep. Peter King held in 2011 over homegrown Islamic terrorism. They both helped clear up the misconceptions about Arab and Muslim Americans after 9/11. 

Dingell’s top priorities as a congresswoman are making education affordable, protecting the environment and representing Michigan’s workers.

Several Arab Americans from local groups attended the fundraiser. Many of the guests were members of the Lebanese American Heritage Club, ACCESS, Arab American Civil Rights League, Arab American Chamber of Commerce and Arab American Political Action Committee. 

Elected officials who attended included Dearborn’s 19th District Court Judge Sam Salamey, Dearborn City Council President Susan Dabaja, Dearborn City Councilman Mike Sareini, Dearborn Board of Education President Hussein Berry and State Representative David Knezek. 

“I can look at each one of you and say Dearborn is our home. We have worked on projects together we care about such as fighting for civil rights,  creating the Arab American National Museum, or fighting to make sure that we don’t have discrimination, or whatever the effort is on any given day. 

I will work very hard for this community, and make sure your issues are represented at the table,” Dingell said.