When Asaad Al-Najjar left Baghdad in 1980 to study civil engineering in Los Angeles, he dreamed of returning home to rebuild his city. However, due to the outbreak of wars and political instability in Iraq, he stayed in the United States, where he became a pivotal figure in shaping the infrastructure of Los Angeles over the past 40 years. Today, he is not only a celebrated engineer but also a candidate for the 2026 mayoral race in LA.
Al-Najjar’s story is a testament to resilience, professionalism, and dedication to public service — qualities that have earned him widespread support across the Arab American community and beyond.
Engineering Achievements That Shaped Los Angeles
After earning his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1984, followed by a master’s degree in 1987 and a Ph.D. in 1989, Al-Najjar began his long career with the Los Angeles City Department of Public Works. He quickly rose through the ranks to become the city’s lead engineer responsible for massive projects in transportation and infrastructure.
Al-Najjar helped pioneer LA’s rail system, laying hundreds of miles of above-ground and underground train tracks. Notably, he spearheaded projects to introduce smart lighting systems, installing over 250,000 smart streetlights with traffic signals. His visionary leadership is now pushing toward the completion of a suspended rail system by 2027 — a vital upgrade ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“My dream,” Al-Najjar says, “is for Los Angeles to become the smartest city in the world.”
Attempts to Rebuild Iraq Met With Resistance
Despite his success abroad, Al-Najjar never lost his passion for contributing to Iraq’s development. Following the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, he offered his expertise to help modernize Iraq’s transportation and telecommunications systems — often at no cost. However, corruption, bureaucracy, and political interference sidelined his efforts.
“I presented projects for free,” he explained, “but because I refused to engage in bribery, they labeled me a traitor and told me to go back to America.”
Al-Najjar laments that Iraq, like many other countries in the region, loses talented professionals to political gamesmanship and nepotism. “When politicians, not experts, oversee projects, progress becomes impossible,” he says.
A Commitment to Community and Family
While juggling major infrastructure projects and his campaign for mayor, Al-Najjar also prioritizes his family. His wife, Arij Al-Sheikhli, a civil engineer specializing in rainwater management, and his two daughters — Hiba, a first-year medical student, and Huda, preparing for dental school — are his biggest supporters.
“My family stands beside me, supporting both my professional journey and my political aspirations,” Al-Najjar proudly states.
The family remains deeply connected to the Arab American community, actively participating in cultural events organized by the Iraqi American Cultural Society, which Arij founded five years ago.
Facing Corruption Here and Abroad
Al-Najjar is candid about challenges not just in Iraq but also in the United States. “Corruption exists here too,” he admits. “However, in the U.S., there are mechanisms to fight it.”
He emphasizes that American society rewards merit and expertise, regardless of one’s background — a stark contrast to the favoritism and corruption he encountered when attempting to work in Iraq.
“In Hollywood movies, Arabs are often portrayed negatively, but in reality, many of us excel when given a fair chance,” Al-Najjar adds.
A Historic Mayoral Run for 2026
Determined to give back even more to the city he helped build, Asaad Al-Najjar is now running for Mayor of Los Angeles in 2026. If elected, he would become the first Iraqi Arab to hold the prestigious office.
“I sacrifice my personal time to ensure projects are completed for the people of LA,” he says. “That’s the best campaign I could ever run.”
Optimistic about his chances, Al-Najjar concludes, “Next year, I hope to serve as the Mayor of Los Angeles — not through politics, but through hard work, dedication, and integrity.”