DEARBORN — The Arab American Political Action Committee has announced its endorsements in the Nov. 4 general election.

While the list of endorsements includes both municipal and state-wide races, the organization has delayed its endorsement for governor for an additional week. The Arab American News will announce that endorsement in next week’s issue.

Formed in 1998, AAPAC’s membership consists of a diverse group of Arab American professionals who work to organize and encourage the political activities of Arab Americans. They lobby on behalf of Arab American political causes that may be of concern to the community and bring these issues to the attention of the candidates, before deciding on appropriate endorsements.

Over the last several months, AAPAC has been conducting a series of endorsement interviews with candidates for various offices. The organization only endorses candidates who submit a written request asking for an endorsement. Candidates must obtain two-thirds of the votes by members who are in good standing with the organization, according to its by-laws.

On Wednesday evening, the organization held a meeting at The Arab American News office to finalize its endorsement list. The members discussed and debated the merits of the various candidates and their positions before casting their votes. 

Three of the candidates AAPAC endorsed during the primary won their respective races and are being endorsed in the general election as well:  Warren Evans, a candidate for Wayne County executive; Debbie Dingell, a candidate for congress in Michigan’s 12th District, and Stephanie Chang, a candidate for state representative in the 6th District. 

As was the case in previous years, a current AAPAC member is seeking office in the general election. Former AAPAC President Mariam Bazzi, a candidate for Dearborn Board of Education, received an endorsement from AAPAC, along with candidates Ghinwah Karkaba and J. Michael Meade. They are among 11 candidates seeking to fill three vacant seats on the school board. 

AAPAC President Ali Hammoud told The Arab American News that Bazzi was interviewed about her qualifications and goals, just like any other candidate, despite her affiliation with the organization. 

The first candidate to react to being endorsed by the organization was Dana Thompson, who is in the running for the Wayne State Board of Governors. 

“I am honored to receive the support of the men and women in the Arab American community who continue to push for diversity and issues of common interests in both our national life as well as in our own local existence,” Thompson said in a press release.  “Diversity is a core mission of my campaign and I’m looking forward to ensuring that Arab American students and all students have access to affordable and an excellent education at Wayne State University.”

As it does every election year, the organization will send out thousands of bilingual newsletter to Arab American homes across southeast Michigan, along with a list of endorsements.

Additionally, slates will be handed out to voters on election day by AAPAC volunteers outside of voting precincts with a high concentration of Arab Americans. 

In the meantime, AAPAC is gearing up for its 17th Annual Banquet dinner being held on Wednesday, October 22nd at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center in Dearborn. The theme for this year’s event will be “Strength in Unity.” For reservations, contact 313.582.4888. 

Endorsement list: