Abdul El-Sayed becomes the first-ever Muslim elected to US Senate after defeating Mike Rogers; trolls JD Vance, Trump with ‘Habibi’ jibe in victory speech

Democrat Adbul El-Sayed has made history by becoming the first ever Muslim elected to the US Senate. El-Sayed defeated Republican Representative Mike Rogers in Michigan in a race that made national headlines every week. According to the Associated Press, El-Sayed secured over 51% of the vote leaving the GOP behind.

El-Sayed describes himself as a democratic socialist and saw his campaign backed by several huge names on the political left, including contentious left-wing streamer Hasan Piker. The endorsement saw the Democrat attacked by the Republicans, including President Donald Trump who recently called him a “radical jihadist”. Vice President JD Vance also criticised him accusing El-Sayed of “anti-white racial hate”.

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El-Sayed’s ‘Habibi’ jibe on JD Vance

In his victory speech a smiling El-Sayed highlighted the “delicious irony” in Vice President JD Vance being constitutionally obligated to swear him into the Senate in January. Calling him “habibi”, El-Sayed said “So you know what that means, Wolverine one, Buckeyes zero,” drawing huge applause. El-Sayed was referring to the rivalry between the University of Michigan and Ohio State University.

He further went on to address President Trump with, “Donald…I know you struggle with my name, so after JD swears me in in January, you can go on and call me Senator.”

El-Sayed, while speaking on election night, further added, “Michigan I cannot wait to serve you”. He urged his supporters to celebrate the win and “Let them know tomorrow that the bad guys have lost”. El-Sayed also asked his counterpart, Mike Rogers to enjoy his retirement.

Who is Abdul El-Sayed?

El-Sayed, who became a controversial candidate for his public condemnation of Israel, was never supposed to get into politics. He is an epidemiologist and served as a public health officer. He was born in Michigan to Egyptian immigrant parents. He studied at the medical school in University of Michigan and also attended the Oriel College in Oxford.

He previously fought for the position of Governor in Michigan and lost after getting 30% of the votes. He said that he was inspired to run for Governor after the Flint Water Crisis. He went on to raise $5 million from individual donations and was endorsed by both Bernie Sanders and AOC.

Among his most prominent positions in Medicare for All and the creation of a government-run health insurance sector. He has also called for more regulation on artificial intelligence, criticising data centers. He also criticized the US military funding to Israel.