Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed distances himself from streamer Hasan Piker after controversial remarks on Israel
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Democratic Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed said no one speaks for his campaign after streamer Hasan Piker suggested that some Jewish Americans’ support for Israel fuels antisemitism, prompting criticism from fellow Democrats and the Republican opponent.
Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed said his campaign is the only voice representing him after streamer Hasan Piker argued that certain Jewish Americans’ support for Israel "makes antisemitism worse." The remarks, made during a two-hour Twitch broadcast, sparked condemnation from several Michigan Democrats and the state’s Republican Senate nominee, Mike Rogers.
Piker, who campaigned with El-Sayed in the Democratic primary, said that repeated messaging from Jewish institutions creates a perception of a monolithic Jewish stance on Israel, which he described as a "dangerous mode of propaganda." He added that linking Jewish identity to Israel could lead to violence against American Jews.
El-Sayed’s campaign issued a statement asserting that only he and his spokespeople speak for the campaign and emphasized a commitment to safety for all communities, including Jewish residents. "My commitment to Jewish safety is the same as my commitment to the safety of my own daughters," the statement read.
Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers criticized El-Sayed for not distancing himself sufficiently, calling the campaign’s statement a "sham" and labeling Piker as a "running mate." Democratic Rep. Hillary Scholten described Piker’s comments as antisemitic, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that the claim that American Jews invite violence is dangerous.
Congressional candidate Jeremy Moss, who has not endorsed El-Sayed, rejected Piker’s criticism of the Jewish community in Oakland County and said he will not support Rogers. Moss said he and El-Sayed continue dialogue to unify their ticket despite policy differences.
Piker defended his remarks, saying he intended to warn against conflating Zionism with Judaism, which he argues can increase antisemitism. He characterized the backlash as a "smear campaign" and claimed he was being used as a distraction.
The controversy adds another layer to the closely watched Michigan Senate race, where El-Sayed faces scrutiny over his association with the outspoken streamer.