'JD, habibi.' Arabs celebrate El-Sayed's use of a term of affection in his victory speech

PBS NewsHour · Kim Chandler; David Fischer; Associated Press · 2026-11-06 00:42 UTC

“Habibi” literally translates to “my beloved” and is peppered through Arab pop songs. In everyday speech, it often means “buddy,” “pal,” or “bro.” El-Sayed's supporters have sported shirts reading “Habibi for Abdul.”

BEIRUT (AP) — From Michigan to the Middle East, Arabs are celebrating Abdul El-Sayed's Senate win and delighting in his introduction of Arabic terms like "habibi" and "inshallah" to the American political lexicon.

After being the target of Islamophobic rhetoric on the campaign trail, the rising political star who will be the first Muslim American U.S. senator has mocked his critics on the right while championing the Palestinian cause and leaning into his faith and Egyptian heritage.

"JD, habibi," El-Sayed said in his victory speech, addressing U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who had warned that the candidate would lead rioters in burning down Detroit. "There is this delicious irony in the fact that you're constitutionally obligated to swear me in in January."

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