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.