Days after securing a historic victory as America's first Muslim senator, Abdul El-Sayed arrived in Chantilly, Virginia, for the Arab America Foundation's CONNECT Empowerment Summit. Stepping out of a black luxury GMC Yukon Denali SUV at an upscale Marriott conference center at 7:39 p.m. on Friday, the newly elected Democrat was greeted by a diverse coalition of supporters, activists, and organizers.
The 45-minute gathering offered a direct look at the political and cultural forces backing El-Sayed's rise. Figures from far-left organizations, pro-communist networks, and Arab-American advocacy groups converged at the venue, highlighting what observers describe as a unique political network uniting the socialist hard-left with Muslim and Arab advocacy movements.
Inside the CONNECT Empowerment Summit
The ballroom at the Marriott conference center featured cultural displays, fundraisers, and political messaging. A table for Jinba Village and School outside Hebron displayed literature urging Congress to end settler outposts, while other tables offered keffiyehs featuring the outlines of Palestinian territory. A handcrafted wooden silhouette of Palestine painted in traditional colors was featured in a fundraiser with an opening bid of $100.
Prominent figures in attendance included:
- Medea Benjamin and Tighe Barry, co-founders and activists with the far-left, pro-communist nonprofit CodePink.
- Hazami Barmada, a Syrian American anti-Israel activist known for demonstrations across the Washington, D.C., region.
- Abbas Alawieh and Layla Elabed, co-chairs of the Uncommitted National Movement.
- James Zogby, founder of the Arab American Institute.
Arab America Foundation Chair Issam Andoni delivered opening remarks praising El-Sayed's campaign. "You destroyed AIPAC twice," Andoni told the audience, referencing the primary and general elections. During the speeches, references were made to a one-state vision and a free Palestine, a phrase with fiercely contested interpretations among political groups.
Habibi PAC and Future Ambitions
The discussions at the summit quickly turned toward national politics. Emcee Ameera David shared that her seven-year-old son asked if El-Sayed could run for president, prompting cheers and applause from the audience.
The event followed the filing of Habibi PAC with the Federal Election Commission. Named after the Arabic term of endearment that El-Sayed popularized during his election-night speech, the leadership PAC provides the incoming senator with a vehicle to raise funds and contribute to other political candidates.
During his victory speech, El-Sayed notably addressed Vice President JD Vance as "JD, habibi," pointing out that Vance will oversee his swearing-in ceremony in January. El-Sayed's spokeswoman did not respond to requests for comment regarding specific policy positions on a one-state solution or a right of return for Palestinians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Abdul El-Sayed?
Abdul El-Sayed is a newly elected Democrat who made history as America's first Muslim senator following a bruising Senate race in Michigan.
What is Habibi PAC?
Habibi PAC is a leadership political action committee registered with the Federal Election Commission by El-Sayed to raise funds and support other political candidates.
Where was the Arab America Foundation summit held?
The CONNECT Empowerment Summit took place at an upscale Marriott conference center in Chantilly, a suburb of Washington, D.C.