Just days after being elected as the first Muslim member of the U.S. Senate, Abdul El-Sayed has launched a political fundraising organization called ‘Habibi PAC.’ He named the organization after the Arabic word ‘Habibi’—a term he frequently used throughout his election campaign.
The registration of the organization was confirmed in documents filed with the U.S. Federal Election Commission on Thursday. Images of these documents subsequently circulated on social media.
A Political Action Committee (PAC) is distinct from a politician’s own campaign committee. Such organizations raise and spend funds to support or oppose specific candidates in elections.
The Arabic word ‘Habibi’ translates to ‘my beloved’ or ‘dear one.’ El-Sayed used the term throughout his campaign, though his opponents sometimes employed it in a dismissive or mocking tone.
On one occasion, addressing U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance, El-Sayed remarked, “JD, habibi—what an ironic twist of fate: due to constitutional requirements, you will be the one to administer my oath of office this coming January.”
During the campaign, many of his supporters attended rallies wearing T-shirts that read ‘Habibi Abdul.’ Others carried banners featuring Arabic phrases such as ‘Insha’Allah’ (God willing) and ‘Alhamdulillah’ (praise be to God)—terms that El-Sayed also incorporated into his own speeches.
The launch of ‘Habibi PAC’ has drawn mixed reactions; while some have praised the initiative, others have attacked him using derogatory and racist language.
