Justin Onwenu has labor groups lining up behind his campaign to represent Detroit and Downriver in the Michigan Senate’s District 1.
Onwenu on Tuesday announced the endorsement of Iron Workers Local 25, Sheet Metal Workers Local 80, and Boilermakers Local 169.
The matchup between Onwenu, the city of Detroit’s entrepreneurship director, and former state Rep. Abraham Aiyash is viewed as a highly competitive race. The winner of the Aug. 4 primary is expected to win the majority Democratic district in the November general election.
In 2023, Aiyash became the first Arab-American majority leader of the House of Representatives. He also became the highest-ranking Muslim American in the state’s legislative history.
Onwenu is attempting to become the first Black man in the state Senate since Marshall Bullock, D-Detroit, lost a primary to state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak as a result of redistricting.
The District 1 Detroit-Downriver seat was also redrawn by the Michigan Citizens Redistricting Commission following the approved redistricting efforts after being sued for racial bias. The new district map stretches from part of Detroit through Downriver communities including Lincoln Park, River Rouge, Wyandotte and Ecorse.
“Lansing needs leaders who can deliver for labor and working families, and Justin is that leader,” said Dennis Aguirre, President of Iron Workers Local 25 and a Wyandotte resident. “Justin has the experience, the values, hard work ethic, and the coalition building skills to be a real force for Detroit and Downriver in the State Senate. He understands that strong unions build strong communities, and we’re proud to stand with him.”
Onwenu also has secured support from the Michigan Teamsters Joint Council 43, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2, Plumbers Local 98, Pipefitters Local 636, and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 38.
Onwenu has also been endorsed by Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, and a number of Downriver mayors.
“I’m honored to earn the support of the men and women who build our infrastructure, power our job sites, and strengthen our communities every single day,” Onwenu said in a statement. “When we stand with labor, we uplift workers, build stronger workplaces, and create a more just and robust economy.”
Both Onwenu and Aiyash have been flexing their credentials on social media while criticizing the state’s public utility companies, specifically DTE. Both Democrats have said they would pass legislation to lock utility rates to halt increases for customers.
Aiyash and Onwenu point to SB 768, introduced last month by Sen. Kevin Hertel, D-Saint Clair Shores, which prohibits utilities from filing a rate case earlier than three years after the utility’s last rate case.
