HighLights
  1. Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan Senate race in 2026 US midterm elections.
  2. In his victory speech, El-Sayed made 'habibi' remark targeting Vice President JD Vance.
  3. El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race.

US Midterm Election Results: Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has become one of the biggest talking points after his victory in the 2026 US midterm elections. After defeating Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan's Senate race, he grabbed attention with a sharp remark aimed at Vice President JD Vance during his victory speech. His remark went viral as he had faced repeated criticism and personal attacks from President Donald Trump and other leaders during the election campaign.

El-Sayed Takes 'Habibi' Dig At JD Vance

Addressing the crowd in Detroit on Wednesday, El-Sayed turned towards Vance and made a pointed remark about his upcoming oath-taking ceremony in January. He said, "JD, habibi, there is this delicious irony in the fact that you're constitutionally obligated to swear me in in January."

Following the comment, the crowd cheered loudly. The remark was a reference to Vance's constitutional role as vice president, which requires him to preside over the Senate and administer the oath to newly elected senators. Also, the Arabic word 'habibi' means 'my dear', 'my beloved' or 'my love.'

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ALSO READ: US Midterm Election Results: Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Race, Becomes First American Muslim Senator

During the campaign, Vance described El-Sayed as a "radical extremist" and "psychopath". Trump also repeatedly mocked his name and criticised his political views. At one rally, Trump said, "This guy, I call him Mohammed El-Fayad. Some people call him Abdul. I call him Mohammed... Somebody said, 'Why?' I said, I don't know. I feel like it."

Shawarma Law Joke Also Went Viral

By addressing Vance as 'habibi.' El-Sayed appeared to use humour and sarcasm to respond to the attacks. Earlier, El-Sayed had also attracted attention with his humorous response to accusations that he supported Sharia law. "Do not believe the people who say I'm for Sharia law, I'm for shawarma law," El-Sayed said.

Meanwhile, the Democratic victory in midterms marked a sweeping turnaround in the balance of power in Washington, with the party making significant gains in both traditionally Republican states and key battlegrounds. Democrats are projected to secure control of the House of Representatives with at least 259 seats, according to NBC News projections, comfortably crossing the 218-seat threshold required for a majority. The party also made substantial gains in Senate contests, while also flipping several governors' offices.

ALSO READ: US Midterms 2026: First Muslim Senator, First Black Woman Governor Among 7 Who Made History

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