Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed launches ‘Habibi PAC'—he campaigned on getting money out of politics
Abdul El-Sayed, who won Michigan’s Senate race over Mike Rogers, launched Habibi PAC to back like-minded federal candidates and reduce money in politics, though it will operate independently of his campaign. The PAC aims to curb outside spending from groups like 501(c)4s and SuperPACs while supporting allies who share his views on political finance reform. In his victory remarks, he framed the race around anti-Muslim smear narratives and highlighted his Muslim background, signaling a broader pushback to such portrayals. If seated, he would be poised to become the first Muslim U.S. senator, reflecting a moment of historic potential alongside a rising focus on leadership PACs, including peers who launched similar committees.
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El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race in a sweeping victory, positioning him to potentially become the first Muslim senator in U.S. history.
He launched Habibi PAC, a political action committee intended to raise money for his political allies and to help elect more candidates who share his views, though it remains unaffiliated with his Senate campaign.
The PAC’s stated goal is to limit money in politics by opposing outside spending through groups such as corporate 501(c)4s, SuperPACs, and 527 committees, aligning with his campaign’s rhetoric.
The name Habibi means 'my beloved' in Arabic, signaling a personal affinity when used as a term of endearment, which El-Sayed referenced in public remarks.
In his victory speech, El-Sayed criticized smear tactics labeling him a Muslim threat and acknowledged opposition from anti-Muslim extremists, Israel lobby groups, and even the president, framing the race as a test of character rather than faith.
The piece notes other newly elected Democrats—Amish Shah, Josh Turek, and Roy Cooper—also established leadership PACs, illustrating a broader post-election trend.
OpenSecrets data cited in the article indicate leadership PACs distributed $79.3 million to federal candidates during the 2024 cycle, underscoring the scale of money moving through such committees.