State Rep. Erin Byrnes Campaigns for Michigan Senate Seat Ahead of August 4 Primary

With the Aug. 4 Democratic primary 11 days away, State Rep. Erin Byrnes is asking Dearborn-area voters to send a candidate who has worked from City Hall to the state Capitol to represent the open 2nd State Senate District.

A lifelong Dearborn resident, Byrnes served on the Dearborn City Council from 2018 to 2023 before being elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. Her campaign is presenting that combination of city and state experience as evidence that she understands Dearborn's needs and can carry its priorities to Lansing.

"I'm running for State Senate because I believe this is where I can do the most good for the greatest number of people in my community," Erin Byrnes, State Representative for Michigan House District 15, said.

"Before serving in the Legislature, I served on Dearborn City Council for five years," Erin Byrnes, State Representative for Michigan House District 15, said. Her work on the council included neighborhood beautification, business district revitalization, COVID-19 vaccine access for homebound seniors, an air quality ordinance and economic development projects.

Byrnes was elected to the Michigan House in 2022 and took office in January 2023. She represents House District 15, which covers Dearborn's west end and nearly all of Dearborn Heights, and her current term runs through Dec. 31, 2026.

In seeking a Senate seat, Byrnes has focused on public education, healthcare access, affordability for working families and support for local communities — advocating for public schools, supporting workers and investing in local infrastructure and economic development.

The 2nd State Senate District seat is open because incumbent Sen. Sylvia Santana is term-limited. The district includes Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Allen Park and Melvindale, as well as parts of Detroit and Taylor.

Byrnes faces Abbas Alawieh, a progressive candidate and co-founder of the Uncommitted movement, in the Democratic primary. The Arab American Political Action Committee has endorsed Alawieh in the race.

The district is considered safely Democratic, so the primary will effectively decide who represents it in the state Senate. The winner will face Republican Harry Sawicki in the November general election.

The contest will test whether Democratic primary voters value local accountability and a City Hall record over other credentials when selecting their nominee.