Abdul El-Sayed Launches Habibi PAC Days After Michigan Senate Win
Abdul El-Sayed has launched Habibi PAC to fund Democratic allies, days after winning Michigan’s Senate race. The name nods to the Arabic word he used to taunt JD Vance.
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A Federal Election Commission filing dated Nov. 6 lists the Michigan Democrat as the sponsor of the new leadership committee, The Hill first reported. Unlike his campaign account, a leadership PAC cannot fund his own reelection and is typically used to support colleagues and preferred candidates.
The Hill said the move is the latest sign that El-Sayed aims to shape Democratic politics beyond his own race, particularly in Michigan, a key swing state ahead of the 2028 presidential contest.
A Jab at Vance Becomes a Brand
“Habibi” is an Arabic term of endearment meaning “my beloved,” though it is often used casually among friends and family. El-Sayed used it to address Vice President JD Vance, a harsh critic, in his victory speech early Wednesday.
“JD, habibi,” he said. “There is this delicious irony in the fact that you’re constitutionally obligated to swear me in in January.”
Supporters frequently wore “Habibi for Abdul” shirts on the campaign trail, according to The Hill.
Campaign Shaped by Faith and Israel
El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers by a wide margin on Tuesday and is set to become the first Muslim U.S. senator. Clash Report covered his win amid a wider surge of Muslim candidates.
He ran openly as a Muslim and opposed sending military aid to Israel. President Donald Trump called him a “jihadist,” and Rogers often tried to tie him to extremist groups with which El-Sayed has no connection, The Hill reported. The New Republic said he overcame roughly $38 million in AIPAC-linked spending.
Freshmen Embrace PAC Wordplay
El-Sayed is not alone in giving his committee a playful name. The Washington Sun noted that Iowa Sen.-elect Josh Turek launched “WheelPAC” and Arizona Rep.-elect Amish Shah is behind “PACStreet Boy.”
Vance, who as vice president will preside over the swearing-in, has also faced fallout from the midterms; Clash Report reported that he blamed the Iran war for the Republican losses.
Kamer Kurunç
Kamer Kurunç is the Team Leader of Clash Report and has led the outlet for four years. He oversees its breaking world news coverage, from the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war to defense and global politics. His focus is fast, verified, source-based reporting. Follow him on X at @kamerknc.
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