Michigan Democrat Abdul El‑Sayed wins Senate seat, calls VP JD Vance "habibi" in victory speech
Abdul El‑Sayed was elected to the U.S. Senate from Michigan, becoming the first Muslim senator, and used the Arabic term "habibi" to address Vice President JD Vance during his victory address.
Key points
- Abdul El‑Sayed won the Michigan Senate race over Republican Mike Rogers.
- He became the first Muslim senator in U.S. history.
- During his victory speech he referred to Vice President JD Vance as "habibi," meaning "my love, dear, or friend.
- The remark spread quickly online.
- The term is Arabic and translates to "my love, dear, or friend.
On November 4, 2026, Michigan voters elected Democrat Abdul El‑Sayed to the U.S. Senate, defeating Republican Mike Rogers.
During his victory speech, El‑Sayed addressed Vice President JD Vance as “habibi.”
The Arabic word “habibi” translates as “my love, dear, or friend.”
El‑Sayed’s use of the term made him the first Muslim senator in U.S. history, and the remark quickly went viral online.
Your questions, answered
Who won the Michigan Senate race in 2026?
Abdul El‑Sayed, a Democrat, defeated Republican Mike Rogers.
What does "habibi" mean?
The Arabic word "habibi" translates as "my love, dear, or friend.
How does this story make you feel?
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