Washtenaw County Commissioner Yousef Rabhi announced plans Friday to run for a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives next year.
Rabhi, a Democrat, is running to replace term-limited Rep. Jeff Irwin (D–Ann Arbor) in Michigan’s 53rd legislative district. The district includes parts of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Township, Pittsfield Township and Scio Township.
Rabhi joined the commission in 2011, the same year he graduated from the University. He assumed the commissioner seat vacated by Irwin, who was elected to the House that same year.
In his first two years, Rabhi served as the board’s chairman for working sessions before he was promoted to the chairman of the full board in 2013. He held the position until this past January when he assumed the board’s vice chair position.
By entering the race, Rabhi said he wants to instill Ann Arbor’s emphasis on education, equity, environment and economic resiliency to Lansing.
Rabhi graduated from the University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science with a specialization in urban planning and ecosystems management.
While the Democratic primary is not until next August, Rabhi has said he has already formed a campaign committee. No other candidates have announced they are running yet.
Rabhi will hold a press conference Monday to outline his platform. The official announcement is scheduled for 12 p.m. at the site of the Buhr Park Wet Meadow Project.