Rabhi challenges Ann Arbor’s Democratic establishment with socialist mayoral bid

BY: TOM PERKINS Originally published by Michigan Advance.

- February 2, 2026 at 3:49 pm

"He was born and raised in Ann Arbor and served as a state representative in the area from 2017-2023, until he was termed out. He was the House Democratic Floor Leader, the number two position in the caucus, during his final session... Rabhi was elected to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners in 2023, and previously served on the board for six years beginning at 22 years old, in 2011."

"'I believe in the principles of working together as a community, and finding grassroots solutions to problems,' Rabhi said."

"The broader vision is a government that makes life easier for residents, and a restored sense of civic pride, Rabhi said."

"Among other proposals, he is calling for a deep investment in public ownership and stronger city services with the aim of reducing costs for working-class residents."

"Rabhi said Ann Arbor 'has over 100,000 consultants — our residents.' 'There's a clear feeling that people are not being heard by politicians and the public is not at the center of the decision-making process,' he said."

"'It's things like that that take burdens off of people's plates,' Rabhi said. 'Government should give people opportunities to live a better life as a result of the community coming together collectively—that's the power we want to harness.'"

"He said he would invest that money in 'boots on the ground' city employees and city-run programs like clearing snow from sidewalks... 'Any time you privatize a service, you lose control, you lose quality, you lose workers' rights because it's not union, but one of the biggest things you lose is civic pride,' Rabhi said."

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BY: TOM PERKINS Originally published by Michigan Advance. Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor at info@michiganadvance.com for questions.