Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat over Republican Mike Rogers. In his Detroit victory speech he addressed Vice President JD Vance as habibi, an Arabic term of endearment, while noting Vance must swear him in.
Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat, defeating Republican and former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers. He will become the first Muslim U.S. senator. El-Sayed is the son of Egyptian immigrants.
In an election night speech to supporters in Detroit, El-Sayed called Vice President JD Vance habibi. He referenced that Vance will swear him in as a U.S. senator in January 2027. El-Sayed told Vance there is a delicious irony in the vice president being constitutionally obligated to swear him in during January. By aiming the word at a political opponent who had criticised him, El-Sayed appeared to turn the insult into a joke.
Habibi is Arabic for my love or my dear. It is often used as a pet name for friends, significant others or family members. The term is commonly used as an affectionate nickname among friends and family.
