‘J.D., habibi’: Arabs celebrate as Michigan’s El-Sayed mocks foes with term of affection

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 US senator has mocked his critics on the right while championing the Palestinian cause and leaning into his faith and Egyptian heritage.

“J.D., habibi,” El-Sayed said in his victory speech, addressing US Vice-President J.D. Vance, who had warned that the candidate would lead rioters in burning down Detroit.