Arabs celebrate El-Sayed's win as 'habibi' enters US lexicon
Associated Press ·
Arabs around the world are celebrating Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed's win of a U.S. Senate seat and delighting in his introduction of Arabic words and phrases to the American political lexicon. In his victory speech, he referred to Vice President JD Vance as “habibi.” The word literally translates to “my beloved,” but in everyday speech often means “buddy,” “pal” or “bro.” El-Sayed is a rising Democratic political star who won a closely watched race in the key swing state of Michigan. He has clapped back at attacks from the right rooted in decades of negative stereotypes about Arabs and Muslims. In the Middle East, his victory brought a rare outpouring of joy amid ongoing conflicts.