Aisha Farooqi

Aisha Farooqi graduated from Farmington High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, Dearborn in 2006 and a law degree from the University of Detroit in 2013. Her career experience includes working as a prosecutor with the Wayne County prosecutor's office and filmmaker.[1] Farooqi has served on Michigan’s Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, the Board Zoning Board of Appeals for the City of Sterling Heights and has been a member of the Macomb County Black Caucus and the Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council of Detroit.[2][3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am an attorney and a former prosecutor and I am running for Congress in Michigan's 11th District because I believe our government should work for everyday families, not the donor class. My commitment to economic and social justice is personal. As a child, I attended Detroit Public Schools. During one semester, our school didn’t have textbooks, and my teacher, Mr. White, paid out of his own pocket to make copies of lesson plans so we could keep learning. Later, my family moved to Farmington Hills, where I graduated from Farmington High School. Seeing the stark differences between the two communities showed me that a child’s ZIP code should never determine the quality of their education or future. That experience shaped my career in public service. Throughout my career, I’ve advocated for working people: standing up for survivors of domestic violence, fighting against corrupt landlords as a legal aid attorney. As a prosecutor in the juvenile division, I worked to keep our communities safe, while giving young people the second chances they deserved. In 2025, I was appointed by Governor Whitmer to Michigan's Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board. In Congress, I will fight to lower the cost of living, guarantee healthcare through Medicare for All, defend civil liberties, abolish ICE and defend our Constitution. I refuse to take money from corporate pacs, AIPAC, or utility pacs, because my loyalty is to the American people, not powerful special interests.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Lower the Cost of Living. The rising cost of living is the biggest challenge facing families across Michigan. Michiganders are working harder than ever and still struggling to afford housing, groceries, healthcare, childcare, and prescription drugs. The illegal war with Iran is driving up gas prices. Single parents are working multiple jobs just to feed their children, often going to bed hungry themselves, while seniors are being forced to choose between medication and groceries. We must lower costs, protect Social Security and Medicare, and hold corporations accountable for price gouging. We can also grow our economy while protecting Michigan’s natural resources, from our wetlands to the Great Lakes, for generations to come.Medicare for All. Healthcare shouldn't depend on your job, your income, or your ability to fight with an insurance company. In the richest country in the world, no one should go bankrupt for getting sick. I've worked with families navigating systems that weren't built for them, and I've seen how gaps in care hurt people in real time. In Congress, I'll fight to guarantee healthcare as a right, not a privilege.I'm not taking a dime from corporate pacs, AIPAC, or utility pacs. Corporations and foreign lobbies have had a seat at the table for too long, and it's showing up in the policies that impact all of us. Government is supposed to represent people, not powerful interests. I'm running to change that, which includes working to overturn Citizens United, so our elections can't be bought.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Foreign policy is a mirror of domestic policy. The decisions we make abroad, whether it's military funding, aid, or the governments we support, reflect who we are. When we fund illegal wars or ignore human rights, there are long-term consequences that don't stay contained. We need a more accountable approach that prioritizes stability, human rights, and long-term outcomes over short-term political interests. I oppose the ongoing war with Iran and reject military actions driven by the interests or influence of foreign governments. Decisions of war and peace should be made independently and with full democratic accountability.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

As a teenager, I read the autobiography of Malcolm X and was inspired by his journey. He was direct, unapologetic, and refused to water things down. He stood firm in what he believed in, but also showed growth and reflection over time. What inspired me most is his evolution, his willingness to keep learning and ultimately embrace the equality and dignity of all people. That balance of conviction and evolution is something I deeply admire.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe the most important qualities in an elected official are honesty, character, accountability, empathy, and the ability to listen. A good leader should tell the truth, act with integrity, and take responsibility for their decisions. They should listen carefully to the people they represent, understand how policies affect everyday lives, and serve the public interest rather than being influenced or bought by the highest bidder. These qualities help build trust and ensure leaders govern with fairness, compassion, and independence.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility is answering to your constituents. That's the most basic part of the job and it's something too many elected officials fall short on. People deserve to be heard and seen, to get responses, and to know their concerns are taken seriously. A representative's office should feel like a community space, with the door always open.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I believed a better world was possible and fought for it. The idea of planting trees one will never sit under really resonates with me, doing work that benefits people you may never meet. It's not about credit, it's about impact. If things are more just, equitable, and people have more opportunity because of the work I did, then that's enough.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I volunteered at a Senior facility serving ice cream. It was for a few months.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Growing up as an immigrant came with challenges, especially navigating systems that weren't always built with individuals like me in mind. It meant learning how to adapt quickly, advocate for oneself, and understand the gaps that people leave behind. That experience shaped how I see the world and is a part of why I care so deeply about making systems more accessible for others.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The House is supposed to be the most direct representation of the people. Members are elected every two years and represent smaller districts, so they remain closely connected and accountable to their constituents. It’s where legislation starts, where the budget is shaped, and where the most immediate concerns of the public are supposed to be addressed. It also has unique powers, like initiating revenue bills and holding oversight of the executive branch. When it isn’t functioning as intended, it becomes an immediate concern because it directly impacts how effectively people are represented and how responsive government is to their needs.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

One of the greatest challenges we face is confronting how much influence corporations have over our political system. Too often, both Republicans and Democrats are shaped by donor interests, and that shows up in policies that don't reflect the needs of everyday people. Until we address that imbalance and build a system that is more accountable to the public, it will be difficult to make meaningful progress on any issue.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I think the question isn’t whether compromise is necessary, but why we aren’t focusing more on the areas where there is already broad agreement. We agree on paid family leave, lowering prescription drug costs, expanding access to healthcare, making homeownership attainable, and protecting the Great Lakes. Instead of forcing compromise on deeply polarizing issues, we should start by acting on the things we already agree on and deliver real results. That said, compromise is necessary, but not at the expense of human rights or a dignified existence.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Track AIPAC (Citizens Against AIPAC),

Michigan Democratic Party- Progressive Caucus

No Dem Left Behind

EMGAGE

Future Urbanist Club

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

remember learning about Princess Diana’s passing and being overwhelmed with grief. She was someone I really looked up to.

Campaign websiteFarooqi's campaign website stated the following:Cost of Living/AffordabilityFrom groceries to gas to home insurance, the rising cost of living is squeezing Michigan families. Aisha understands the pressure this puts on regular people and she will prioritize tackling this issue in Congress. She will work to:Reduce unnecessary costs imposed by the government.Ease regulatory burdens on the businesses that provide essential goods and services.Promote economic policies that protect consumers’ purchasing power.Advocate for higher wages and fair compensation for workers.Healthcare for AllToo many Michigan families are one medical bill away from financial crisis. Whether it’s a doctor’s visit, a prescription, or an unexpected emergency, our healthcare system is pushing people, especially seniors on fixed incomes, into impossible choices.Aisha believes healthcare is a human right, not a privilege tied to your job or your income.That’s why she supports Medicare for All: a universal, single-payer system that guarantees healthcare for every American, no exceptions.Under Medicare for All, every American would be guaranteed comprehensive coverage, including medical, dental, vision, mental health, and long-term care, without premiums, deductibles, or co-pays. It would also ensure that you can choose your doctor freely, without interference from insurance companies, so you get the care you need, when you need it.We already pay more than enough into the system. The problem is that too much of our money goes to insurance company profits instead of patient care.In Congress, Aisha will fight to pass Medicare for All, lower prescription drug prices, and eliminate medical debt, because no one should lose their home, drain their savings, or delay care just to survive.Mental HealthAisha will fight to fully integrate mental health services into our healthcare system so people can get care when they need it, not months later. That means expanding access to affordable, high-quality mental health care, increasing the number of providers, and ensuring coverage without barriers or stigma.Addiction and Recovery ServicesAddiction has touched nearly every family, yet too many people are still treated as if they don’t deserve care.Aisha believes substance use disorder must be treated as a public health issue, not a criminal one.She will fight to expand access to affordable, evidence-based treatment, invest in recovery and rehabilitation programs, and ensure long-term support for individuals and families. That includes removing barriers to care, strengthening community-based services, and making recovery possible, not just temporary.EducationAisha attended Detroit Public Schools, where she learned a difficult truth: too often, educational opportunities are determined by a child’s zip code. That must change. We are seeing this throughout Michigan as teachers are forced to leave districts in rural and suburban areas for better paying positions. For instance, the Troy School District continues to lose teachers to Novi, further exacerbating Michigan’s teacher shortage.Aisha believes we must invest in our teachers and provide students with what they need to thrive, from textbooks and supplies to tutoring, enrichment, and extracurriculars. She will fight for fair, fully-funded public schools and ensure that every student has access to counselors, health professionals, and social workers.Aisha believes the Department of Education, which is currently under attack, must remain a strong advocate for students, teachers, and public schools, not a tool to push political agendas. She will fight to defend it from efforts to weaken its authority, strip funding, or limit its ability to enforce civil rights and ensure educational equity. By strengthening schools and investing in teachers, technology, and curriculum, Aisha will help Michigan students get the resources and opportunities they need to compete with peers around the world.Aisha supports zero-interest student loans to make higher education accessible and affordable for every American. She also supports canceling student debt so people can build their futures, pursue opportunity, and contribute to a stronger, more equitable economy.ImmigrationImmigration has long been one of America’s greatest strengths. As the daughter of immigrants, Aisha believes our policies must be grounded in human rights, dignity, and the fundamental belief that every person deserves safety and opportunity.Aisha supports abolishing ICE and replacing it with a system that upholds accountability, protects human rights, and guarantees due process for all.She opposes mass deportations, the use of detention camps for immigrant families, and any efforts that undermine the core values at the heart of the American experiment.At the same time, immigration is also a matter of economic common sense. Immigrants fuel innovation, strengthen small businesses, support critical industries like healthcare and manufacturing, and help keep Michigan’s economy competitive. A modern immigration system is essential to our long-term prosperity.Aisha supports an immediate pathway to citizenship for DREAMERS and other undocumented immigrants, along with a comprehensive modernization of our legal immigration system. Reducing visa backlogs, updating quotas, and streamlining processing will keep families together and ensure our employers have the skilled workforce they need to thrive.A fair, humane, and efficient immigration system honors our values and ensures America remains a beacon of hope for those seeking freedom and opportunity.Child CareAisha believes every family deserves access to universal, high-quality child care. This is not just good policy, it’s smart economics. Today, millions of parents, especially women, are being forced to leave the workforce or reduce their hours because child care is unaffordable, unavailable, or unreliable. When parents can’t work, our economy loses talent, productivity, and growth.As your representative, Aisha will fight to build a universal child care systemthat supports every family and fuels a stronger economy. That includes:Establishing a universal child care system that guarantees access for every family, regardless of income or locationExpanding universal pre-K and early childhood education as a core part of that systemMaking child care publicly funded and affordable for all familiesEnsuring fair pay, benefits, and training for the child care workforceInvesting in paid family leave so parents can stay connected to the workforceSupporting small and home-based child care providers as key partners in a universal systemAisha believes child care is essential infrastructure for a 21st-century economy, and that a universal system will strengthen families, empower workers, and drive long-term economic growth.Gun SafetyEvery American deserves to feel safe in schools, in places of worship, in parks, and in our neighborhoods. But today far too many families live in fear of the next headline, the next lockdown, the next tragedy that could have been prevented.In Michigan, we’ve shown that progress is possible, by passing background checks, safe storage laws, and red flag protections that save lives.In Congress, Aisha will:Support universal background checks and close dangerous loopholes.Fight to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines designed for war, not our streets.Push for safe storage laws to protect children and prevent accidental shootings.Invest in community-based violence prevention programs that save lives and strengthen trust.We can protect the Second Amendment while keeping our communities safe. Civil Rights and LibertiesAs an attorney, Aisha has spent her career fighting for people’s civil rights and protecting the freedoms that form the foundation of our democracy. Today, those freedoms are under attack. Peaceful protesters have been unconstitutionally surveilled and detained, simply for exercising their First Amendment rights. That is unacceptableProtecting civil liberties includes defending the rights of LGBTQIA+ Americans and safeguarding religious freedom for all. No one should face discrimination because of who they are, who they love, or how they choose to worship.In Congress, Aisha will fight to ensure every American’s right to free speech, peaceful assembly, privacy, marriage equality, and religious freedom. Our democracy only thrives when people feel empowered, not afraid, to raise their voices and live authentically without government interference.Defending DemocracyIn Congress, Aisha will defend and strengthen our democracy. Here in Michigan we’ve made it easier for every citizen to participate in free and fair elections through expanded early and absentee voting. As a result more Michiganders than ever are participating in our democratic process and making their voices heard. Aisha will ensure we continue moving forward, not backward, protecting these gains and promoting policies that keep our elections open, secure, and inclusive.To do this she’ll work to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by passing legislation like the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Additionally, she’ll work to set national standards for elections to protect vote by mail, early voting, and voter registration access. The recent gerrymandering efforts by the Trump administration and the State of Texas prove that independent redistricting commissions – like the kind in Michigan stop the corruption of gerrymandering and provide competitive districts that put voters in charge of elections – not politicians. Finally, Aisha will work to safeguard our democracy against voter suppression tactics like restrictive ID laws, polling place closures, or other technicalities that make it harder to vote and disproportionately target historically underrepresented communities.Economic DevelopmentMichigan’s manufacturing legacy is something to be proud of, but Aisha believes economic success should be measured by whether it improves people’s lives, not simply by how many jobs it creates.Supporting workers means ensuring every person has access to healthcare, housing, and food security so no one’s one emergency away from financial ruin. A healthy, secure workforce is the foundation of a strong economy.That also means being thoughtful about what Michigan chooses to manufacture and import. Not every project that promises jobs is a good investment for our communities. AI data centers can consume enormous amounts of energy and water while creating relatively few long-term jobs. Michigan shouldn’t sacrifice its natural resources or raise utility costs simply to subsidize industries that offer limited public benefit.Instead, Aisha supports investing in industries that serve public needs and create lasting value, including hospitals and healthcare infrastructure, public transportation, rail, clean water systems, and the equipment that supports them. With investments in training and workforce development, Michigan’s manufacturing workers can help build that future.Aisha also supports right-to-repair legislation because people should be able to repair the products they own, whether it’s a tractor, smartphone, or vehicle. It gives people more control while keeping money in local communities and reducing waste.Reproductive FreedomAfter the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade, Michigan voters were loud and clear—reproductive freedom is now protected in our state constitution. However, anti-reproductive freedom activists are working to ban abortion rights at the federal level and circumvent state laws and constitutions. Aisha will fiercely defend reproductive freedom, ensuring that women can make their own health decisions without government interference.She will also protect access to contraception, fertility treatments like IVF, and ensure that Michigan remains a safe place for everyone to make deeply personal decisions with dignity and privacy.Support for SeniorsAisha believes every Michigander should be able to retire with dignity after a lifetime of hard work. In Congress, she will fight to protect and strengthen Medicare and Social Security so they remain secure for today’s seniors and future generations. She will work to lower the cost of prescription drugs, protect pensions, and expand support for family caregivers through federal programs, tax credits, and paid leave, so no one has to choose between their job and caring for a loved one.Aisha will also push for stronger federal protections against elder abuse and fraud, and advocate for investments in safe housing, transportation, and community-based services. By ensuring these programs are funded and accessible nationwide, she will help every senior live with security, dignity, and independence.ENVIRONMENTEvery Michigander consistently talks about how much they value clean air, clean water, and access to green space. Aisha believes these are essentials, not luxuries.She supports a bold, national plan to tackle climate change while creating millions of good-paying jobs. She is committed to cutting carbon emissions in a way that grows our economy and strengthens Michigan’s manufacturing leadership. That means investing in clean energy, expanding electric vehicle production, and modernizing our infrastructure and power grid, lowering costs for families while protecting our air and water.Aisha will also work to restore and strengthen the Environmental Protection Agency after years of rollbacks that made it easier for corporate polluters to contaminate our water and air. She believes clean air and water are fundamental rights that must be defended.Aisha supports a national moratorium on new AI data center construction until strong national safeguards are in place to protect energy resources, water supply, and local communities.By holding big polluters accountable and putting working families and frontline communities at the center of this transition, we can protect our planet, safeguard our Great Lakes, strengthen the middle class, and build a clean-energy future that will power American economic freedom and prosperity for generations to come.Expanding Pathways to HomeownershipHousing costs are rising faster than people’s paychecks. Rent is too high, buying a home feels out of reach, and large investment firms are acquiring more and more housing while residents struggle to stay in the communities they already call home.As a former legal aid attorney, Aisha worked directly with tenants dealing with unsafe conditions, eviction, and housing instability. She saw how quickly a housing crisis can affect every part of someone’s life, from their finances and health to their ability to stay in school or keep a job.Addressing the housing crisis requires a more thoughtful approach to where and how we build. Before paving over farmland and green space, we should prioritize empty buildings and underused commercial property, including property held by large corporations. Where feasible, those spaces can be repurposed for housing and bring life back to places that have been sitting empty.In Congress, Aisha will fight to break up corporate rental monopolies and rein in private-equity firms that mass-purchase real estate across entire cities, concentrating control of local housing markets in the hands of a few large investors. No one should have to compete with Wall Street for a place to live.Aisha supports stronger tenant protections, including safeguards against unfair rent hikes and evictions, while expanding access to down-payment assistance and affordable mortgages for first-time homebuyers through measures like the American Homeownership Act.Foreign PolicyAisha unequivocally opposes Donald Trump’s illegal war with Iran, launched without congressional authorization and at the behest of Bibi Netanyahu. At a time when Americans are struggling at home, this war is costing billions, driving up gas and energy prices, and putting lives at risk with no clear strategy or endgame.The Pentagon commands the largest budget of any federal agency. Year after year, nearly $1 trillion of taxpayer money is spent enriching defense contractors and fueling wars overseas.What doesn’t cost a trillion dollars is diplomacy. America’s greatest strength has never been endless war, it has been leadership rooted in diplomacy and guided by democracy. The United States must return to de-escalation, accountability, not endless wars driven by political interests or foreign pressure.Our taxpayer dollars should not bankroll human rights abuses abroad, they should be invested right here in Michigan: rebuilding our aging infrastructure, creating good-paying jobs, strengthening public education, and ensuring our veterans receive the healthcare, opportunities, and dignity they’ve earned.Aisha also unequivocally condemns the genocide in Gaza and calls for an immediate, permanent ceasefire to end the ongoing loss of life. War implies comparable military power on both sides. What is happening in Palestine is not a war.And now, we are watching this same pattern expand beyond Gaza. In Lebanon, escalating Israeli strikes are devastating civilian areas, displacing families, and pushing the region closer to a broader, catastrophic conflict. The United States cannot continue to ignore the risk of a full-scale regional war that will cost countless more lives and destabilize the world.Aisha will not support sending offensive weapons to Israel, and she doesn’t believe there is such a thing as “defensive” bombs. That’s why she supports cutting off all aid to Israel and holding those responsible for war crimes accountable.Restoring the Consumer Financial Protection BureauBig Banks caused the financial crisis of 2008 and they continue to scam customers every day with high interest rates on credit cards, outrageous overdraft fees, and risky bets that hurt consumers. Aisha will vote to restore the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to ensure every American is protected from financial abuse, fraud, and exploitation by keeping the financial services sector fair, transparent, and honest with consumers.Taxing BillionairesThe affordability crisis is being caused by a billionaire class that owns a massive and growing share of our nation’s wealth. This is happening at the same time millions are struggling to afford a home, access healthcare, and repay student loans. Politicians in Washington and the Trump Administration have fought for and passed budgets that lower taxes on billionaires while raising them on working people – those making less than $400,000 a year. As a result billionaires are paying a lower effective tax rate than teachers, nurses, and truck drivers – holding families back, and giving far too much power to far too few people. Now, it’s threatening our democracy.Aisha believes it’s time for billionaires to be taxed at the same rate as ordinary Americans. They must pay their fair share so we can ensure every American has access to the schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and a pathway to the middle class which has made America a land of opportunity for generations of Americans.Holding Extreme Republicans ResponsibleThe Trump administration has unleashed a full-on assault on working people, our democracy, and our economy. They are raising tariffs that are threatening Michigan’s economy and automotive industry, raising taxes on working people, and threatening our Democracy by gerrymandering congressional districts to thwart the will of voters. Aisha will be our voice to hold Donald Trump, extreme Republicans in Congress and their billionaire backers accountable.— Aisha Farooqi's campaign website (July 24, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am currently an assistant prosecuting attorney in Wayne County. I have spent my adult life as a public servant fighting for the vulnerable and marginalized members of our community. I understand public policy, just as I understand the challenges faced daily by ordinary Michigan residents who deserve better from our state government.

Born in Scotland, I moved to Detroit with my family when I was nine. I atten