By — Sarah El Deeb, Associated Press Sarah El Deeb, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/jd-habibi-arabs-celebrate-el-sayeds-use-of-a-term-of-affection-in-his-victory-speech Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter 'JD, habibi.' Arabs celebrate El-Sayed's use of a term of affection in his victory speech Politics Nov 5, 2026 7:42 PM EST 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. READ MORE: The election brought a wave of historic firsts. Here are some groundbreaking winners "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…
'JD, habibi.' Arabs celebrate El-Sayed's use of a term of affection in his victory speech
In short
During his victory speech, El-Sayed directly addressed Vice President JD Vance—who had previously accused him of planning to lead rioters in burning down Detroit—by calling him "habibi" and highlighting the irony that Vance must swear him into office. The candidate also pushed back against hostile rhetoric from Donald Trump, who had labeled him a "jihadist" and deliberately misstated his name during the race. Supporters celebrated the victory across social media with comedic movie clips and music videos embracing the Arabic references. El-Sayed underscored his campaign's journey by noting they had successfully turned "inshallah" into "hamdulillah."
Key points
- El-Sayed directly confronted Vice President JD Vance's past hostility by pointing out Van…: El-Sayed directly confronted Vice President JD Vance's past hostility by pointing out Vance's constitutional duty to swear him into office this January.
- The victory speech firmly embraced the candidate's Egyptian roots, Muslim faith, and supp…: The victory speech firmly embraced the candidate's Egyptian roots, Muslim faith, and support for the Palestinian cause following a contentious campaign.
- Arab communities in Michigan and throughout the Middle East widely celebrated the speech'…: Arab communities in Michigan and throughout the Middle East widely celebrated the speech's use of Arabic terms as an uplifting cultural milestone.