“They tried to confuse you, so let me just set the record straight,” El-Sayed added. “I love America.” According to The Guardian’s report, El-Sayed credited the people who welcomed him into their homes and supported his campaign, including during some of his lowest moments.
His victory also came after a campaign in which his Muslim identity became a frequent subject of attacks. However, the new senator-elect made it clear that he wanted voters to focus on the issues affecting their everyday lives.
The Feud With JD Vance That Made His Victory Speech Even More Interesting
During the campaign, El-Sayed also became embroiled in a public feud with Vice President JD Vance. Their exchanges grew increasingly personal after Vance criticized El-Sayed over his comments about Sharia law and accused him of representing what he called “terrible evil.”
El-Sayed accused Vance and President Donald Trump of hypocrisy, arguing that their policies were hurting working Americans. The disagreement took another personal turn when Vance warned him during an August 31 rally to stop mentioning his wife, Usha Vance.
“Whatever you want to talk about, Abdul, keep my wife’s name the hell out of your mouth, because she’s way out of your league!” Vance declared. El-Sayed also responded with pointed remarks referencing Vance’s wife, Usha Vance, and Vance’s grandparents, further escalating their public exchanges.
Against that background, his victory-night remark to the vice president carried an additional layer of irony. “JD. Habibi,” he said while addressing Vance during his victory speech. “There is this delicious irony in the fact that you’re constitutionally obligated to swear me in January.”
The Arabic word “habibi” means “my love” or “my dear.” El-Sayed’s playful remark referenced Vance’s constitutional responsibility to administer the oath when the new Senate convenes.
