Rabhi to Face Write-in Candidate in Ann Arbor Election
Former state representative Yousef Rabhi will face independent write-in candidate Elizabeth Kurtz on November 3.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Elections
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Yousef Rabhi and Elizabeth Kurtz are set to compete in the upcoming Ann Arbor mayoral election on November 3, 2026. Rabhi, a former Michigan state representative, secured his spot by winning the August primary election.
Why it matters
The race serves as a final test for Rabhi following his primary victory as Kurtz positions housing stability as a core element of her campaign platform.
Yousef Rabhi secured the mayoral nomination after receiving more than 55% of the vote in the August primary election. The general election will be held on November 3, 2026.
The players
Yousef Rabhi
He is a former Michigan state representative and current Washtenaw County commissioner running for Mayor of Ann Arbor.
Elizabeth Kurtz
She is a journalist and independent write-in candidate for Mayor of Ann Arbor.
Christopher Taylor
He is a candidate who was defeated by Yousef Rabhi in the August 2026 primary election.
The details
Rabhi enters the final stretch of the campaign after defeating Christopher Taylor during the August primary. His opponent, journalist Elizabeth Kurtz, is running as an independent write-in candidate with a focus on prioritizing housing stability in the city strategy.
Timeline
Yousef Rabhi defeated Christopher Taylor in the primary election in August 2026.
The Ann Arbor mayoral general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of the current policy direction may argue that the city housing strategy requires a different approach to address long-term affordability. This election highlights the tension between established administrative platforms and the push for reform through independent write-in campaigns.
The outcome of this mayoral race will determine the administration responsible for city-wide housing strategies and local policy implementation. Residents will cast their votes on November 3 to decide the leadership that will guide Ann Arbor over the coming term.
The takeaway
Voters should review the platforms of both candidates to understand how their respective housing strategies might impact city services. Assessing candidate priorities is an essential step for residents preparing for the November 3 election.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming vote, visit the Ann Arbor Elections page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WEMU-FM.
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