Progressive Abraham Aiyash launches Michigan Senate bid

Former Michigan House majority floor leader seeks Democratic nomination in newly redrawn 1st Senate District.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Abraham Aiyash, a former majority floor leader in the Michigan House of Representatives, announced on Monday that he will seek the Democratic nomination for the state's Senate in a newly redrawn 1st Senate District. Aiyash, who served in the House from 2020 to 2024, is running on a platform of putting community over corporate interests, including freezing DTE Energy rates, ending zip code-based car insurance pricing, and instituting universal child care.

Why it matters

Aiyash's bid marks a return to politics for the progressive Democrat, who was a prominent voice in the state's first Democratic trifecta in decades. The newly redrawn 1st Senate District covers parts of Detroit and several Downriver communities, making it a key battleground in the upcoming election.

The details

Aiyash, of Hamtramck, is running to serve in the Legislature's upper chamber representing the 1st Senate District. The seat is currently represented by state Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), and was reconfigured by the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission after it was sued over using racial considerations when redrawing Detroit-centric districts. Already in the Democratic race for the 1st Senate District is Justin Onwenu, the former Detroit entrepreneurship director under previous Mayor Mike Duggan.

  • Aiyash served in the Michigan House from 2020 to 2024.
  • Aiyash announced his Senate bid on February 9, 2026.

The players

Abraham Aiyash

A former majority floor leader in the Michigan House of Representatives who is now running for the state Senate.

Erika Geiss

The current state senator representing the 1st Senate District, which is being redrawn.

Justin Onwenu

The former Detroit entrepreneurship director under previous Mayor Mike Duggan, who is also running for the Democratic nomination in the 1st Senate District.

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What they’re saying

“Whether you sing it or say it, Detroit and Downriver deserve respect. And that starts with a government that prioritizes community needs over corporate interest.”

— Abraham Aiyash (Twitter)

“Why do we love Michigan? Our winters are cold, car insurance is so damn expensive, and DTE makes us mad. And it's getting harder and harder to raise a family here. But no matter how much it frustrates us, Michigan is home. We make friendships for a lifetime, and the communities we build are special.”

— Abraham Aiyash (Campaign announcement)

What’s next

The Democratic primary election for the 1st Senate District is scheduled for August 2026.

The takeaway

Aiyash's return to politics signals a continued push by progressives to gain influence in the Michigan legislature, particularly in the Detroit metro area. His focus on issues like energy costs, car insurance rates, and child care could resonate with voters in the redrawn district.