Amer Ghalib Defeats Karen Majewski in Hamtramck Mayoral Race

Amer Ghalib has made history. The Yemeni immigrant will be the new mayor of Hamtramck after nearly 100 years of Polish mayors. 

Ghalib secured 68% of the vote, beating incumbent Karen Majewski who has led the city for four terms. 

“Tonight is a real example that the American Dream is alive and well in the land of opportunity. Our victory tonight is a testament to this possibility — that an immigrant like myself who came here working a factory job at age 17 now has the honor and opportunity to serve the community that raised him as your next mayor.” –Amer Ghalib

“Tonight is a real example that the American Dream is alive and well in the land of opportunity,” Ghalib told supporters at an election night event late Tuesday. “Our victory tonight is a testament to this possibility — that an immigrant like myself who came here working a factory job at age 17 now has the honor and opportunity to serve the community that raised him as your next mayor.” 

Ghalib campaigned on the promise of providing Hamtramck with “the change [it] needed and the voice [it] deserved.”

“As your mayor, I will do my best to represent and serve all corners of our community,” Ghalib said. “No matter your faith, your background, who you love, or your political views.” 

Hamtramck has three new City Council members: Khalil Refai, Amanda Jaczkowski and Adam Albarmaki. 

They say after campaigning under an agreement that all six City Council candidates would run respectful races and collaborate if elected, one of their main goals is to present a unified council working together.