Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed distances himself from streamer Hasan Piker over controversial remarks

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed said on Monday that he does not endorse the recent comments made by Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who had appeared with the candidate at several campaign events. Piker had told his livestream audience that if American Jews continue to be portrayed as singularly invested in Israel, “someone’s going to come around and take action – not against the state of Israel, mind you, but against American Jews.”

El-Sayed’s statement emphasized that only he and his campaign staff speak for the campaign and reiterated his commitment to protecting Jewish safety, adding, “My commitment to Jewish safety is the same as my commitment to the safety of my own daughters.” He also warned against rhetoric that could endanger any community.

The candidate downplayed the political impact of the influencer, accusing “politicians and pundits” of trying to turn the Senate race into a debate about a Twitch streamer. Republican opponent Mike Rogers seized on the controversy, posting on social media that the comments were “more calls for violence coming out of the El-Sayed campaign” and urging El-Sayed to disavow Piker.

Democratic Rep. Hillary Scholten, who backed former primary rival Rep. Haley Stevens, also condemned Piker’s remarks, calling the influencer a “hack who thrives on hate, shock and awe.”

Piker defended his remarks on X, arguing that conflating support for Israel with Jewish identity “is increasing antisemitism” and denying that his statements called for violence. He referenced an audio clip allegedly featuring state Sen. Jeremy Moss, a Jewish Democrat, which Moss later said was manipulated.

El-Sayed, a vocal critic of the Israeli government, has sought to broaden his appeal after a narrow primary win, while Rogers aims to attract voters who were disappointed by Stevens. The episode reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party over U.S. policy toward Israel and the Gaza conflict.

“I believe all Americans deserve the right to advocate for what they believe without fear of violence. This is particularly true for communities that have been intimidated for their beliefs in the past,” El-Sayed said.

“Antisemitism is a scourge, and we need to address it in all its forms. And I stand against any rhetoric that puts the community at risk,” he added.

“Falsely tying Israel to Jewish people IS increasing antisemitism,” Piker wrote on X.

“I will not be lectured by a California podcaster about what Oakland County, Michigan’s Jewish community should and shouldn’t believe,” Moss said.

The controversy underscores the challenge for progressive candidates to balance outreach to younger, online audiences with sensitivity to concerns about antisemitism and political rhetoric.