SMFNews: Amir Makled Wins U-M Regents Seat, Becoming Board’s First Muslim

MICHIGAN | November 4, 2026

Dearborn civil rights attorney Amir Makled has won a seat on the University of Michigan Board of Regents, joining incumbent Democrat Paul Brown in securing the two seats contested in Michigan’s November 3 election.

WEMU reported Wednesday that Makled and Brown defeated Republican candidates Michael Schostak and Lena Epstein. Citing Associated Press vote tallies, the station reported Brown at 27.2 percent and Makled at 25.5 percent. Those figures are preliminary returns, rather than certified final results.

A first for Muslim representation

Makled’s election makes him the board’s first Muslim member, according to reporting on his historic candidacy. In a March interview, The Arab American News described the Lebanese American lawyer’s bid to become the first Arab and Muslim American to serve on the university’s governing board.

Makled told the publication that representation must be accompanied by influence over decisions affecting students, employees and patients. The board sets tuition, approves major contracts, appoints executive leadership and oversees Michigan Medicine, the university’s healthcare system.

From civil rights advocacy to university governance

Makled is managing partner at Hall Makled, a Dearborn law firm whose practice includes civil rights litigation, personal injury and criminal defense. His professional biography says he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Michigan–Dearborn in 2009 and a law degree from Wayne State University in 2012.

His representation of pro-Palestinian students helped shape his campaign. In the March interview, he argued that winning legal cases could not by itself resolve disputes over university policies and student discipline. He presented a regents seat as a way to take part in the decisions behind those policies.

Affordability, free expression and accountability

Makled’s campaign called for broader access to the university, more affordable attendance and stronger protections for academic freedom. His campaign website emphasizes equitable resources across the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses, transparent governance and fair treatment of faculty, staff and healthcare workers.

In its October candidate interviews, Michigan Public reported that Makled supported a broad tuition freeze and reducing students’ costs beyond tuition. It also reported that both Democratic candidates wanted increased funding for the Dearborn and Flint campuses.

Makled emerged as the Democratic nominee after defeating incumbent Regent Jordan Acker in the party’s nominating contest. Brown, who was seeking reelection, retained his nomination.

What the regents oversee

Michigan voters elect university regents statewide. Members serve eight-year terms, with two seats contested at a time in staggered election cycles, Michigan Public reported. Voters may choose up to two candidates, including candidates from different parties.

The result places Makled on a board confronting continuing debates about the cost of higher education, free speech and university accountability. His election also brings Muslim representation to an institution whose policies affect communities across Michigan.

SMFNews: Shia Muslim American Official Assad Turfe Reportedly Tapped to Lead Michigan Governor-Elect's Transition

DETROIT, MICHIGAN — Assad I. Turfe, a Lebanese American public official serving as deputy Wayne County executive, has reportedly been selected to lead the transition for Michigan Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson following the November 3 gubernatorial election.

The Shia Muslim Foundation learned of the reported appointment through a Michigan community source on November 4. Benson, Michigan's secretary of state, won the November 3 election to succeed term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She defeated Republican John James. The Democratic Governors Association confirmed Benson's victory on November 4.

A Career in Wayne County Government

Turfe has served in Wayne County government for more than two decades. He began in the Sheriff's Office in 2002, advanced through the ranks, and later joined the office of County Executive Warren C. Evans.

In August 2022, Wayne County announced his promotion from chief of staff to deputy county executive. His work in county administration has included government operations and regional public services.

Experience in Local Government Leadership

Turfe's long career in public administration would provide experience relevant to coordinating state government personnel, departments and incoming policy priorities if the reported appointment is confirmed.

He has also been involved in civic and community affairs across metropolitan Detroit, home to large Arab American and Shia Muslim communities.

Significance for Shia American Public Service

The reported selection would mark another example of Shia American participation in senior public administration. Michigan's Dearborn and Dearborn Heights communities have a long history of civic involvement by Arab American and Muslim residents.

Any formal transition leadership assignment would involve helping the incoming Benson administration prepare for the transfer of executive authority in January 2027. The precise duties of Turfe's reported role have not been officially confirmed.

SMFNews: Shia Muslim Lawmaker Akbar Ali Wins Reelection to Georgia House

ATLANTA, Georgia, November 4, 2026 — Shia Muslim Georgia State Representative Akbar Ali has announced his reelection to the Georgia House of Representatives, securing a second term representing House District 106. His announcement follows the November 3 midterm elections and his recent participation in the Universal Muslim Association of America convention in Canada.

“I've been officially re-elected to my 2nd term as State Rep. for District 106!” Ali wrote in a November 4 Facebook post. “Thank you to all who helped and continued to trust in me for this duty.” The announcement was accompanied by a congratulatory graphic from Georgia House Democrats. Official election certification remains a separate process.

A Shia Muslim Voice in Georgia Government

Ali, a Democrat, represents District 106 in the Georgia House of Representatives. His reelection continues his service in state government and adds to the visibility of Shia Muslims participating in American civic life. Georgia House members serve two-year terms.

Recent Appearance at the UMAA Convention

Ali recently participated in the Universal Muslim Association of America's 24th Annual Convention, held October 9 through 11, 2026, in Markham, Ontario. The gathering brought Shia Muslims together from across North America for discussions about faith, public service and community leadership.

At the convention, Ali joined a discussion on the relationship between religious identity, civic engagement, community safety and public leadership. The panel was moderated by Shia Muslim Foundation Executive Director Rahat Husain and included Michigan State Representative Alabbas Farhat, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud and civil rights advocate Ali Aljarrah.

The discussion examined the ways Muslim communities engage with public institutions, address safety concerns and contribute to local and state government. Ali's subsequent election announcement offers a timely example of that civic participation.

A Second Term

Ali's second term places him among the Shia Muslim elected officials serving in state government at a time of increasing attention to Muslim American participation in public office. His recent appearance at UMAA also connected his work in Georgia with a wider network of Shia Muslim community organizations.