Democratic U.S. Senate candidate in Michigan Abdul El-Sayed on Monday publicly distanced himself from progressive commentator Hasan Piker after Piker’s remarks on American Jews and Israel sparked backlash.
El-Sayed’s campaign emphasized in a statement that no one speaks for the campaign except official spokespeople, following Piker’s livestream comments suggesting that pro-Israel rhetoric among American Jews could provoke violence against the Jewish community. Piker, who has supported El-Sayed’s campaign, also featured an image of Michigan state Sen. Jeremy Moss, the Democratic nominee in Michigan’s 11th Congressional District, during the stream.
El-Sayed responded with a statement affirming his opposition to antisemitism and rhetoric that endangers Jewish communities. “Antisemitism is a scourge, and we need to address it in all its forms,” he wrote. “My commitment to Jewish safety is the same as my commitment to the safety of my own daughters.”
Piker’s comments, made during a livestream, argued that Jewish institutions in the U.S. promote the idea of Jewish monolithism regarding Israel, which he described as “a very dangerous mode of propaganda.” He stated: “If Jews in America keep putting this idea out there that they are singularly invested in Israel, eventually someone is going to come around and take action, not against the state of Israel mind you, but against American Jews.”
The remarks drew immediate criticism from multiple Democratic lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who called the comments “dangerous and antisemitic.” Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI) also condemned Piker, labeling him “a hack who thrives on hate.” Scholten stated: “Hasan Piker’s talk of violence against American Jews, and directly naming a Michigan elected official, is unacceptable.”
El-Sayed’s Republican opponent, former Rep. Mike Rogers, seized on the controversy, posting on social media that “more calls for violence” were coming from the El-Sayed campaign. Rogers did not provide additional context in his statement.
El-Sayed’s campaign has sought to shift focus to policy issues such as gas prices, healthcare, and education, with El-Sayed stating: “While politicians and pundits try to make this race about a Twitch streamer, we’re going to be talking about gas, groceries, good schools, and healthcare.”
Piker, who has been an active surrogate for progressive candidates in Michigan, has faced repeated criticism for his criticism of Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. His endorsement of El-Sayed during the primary drew scrutiny, though El-Sayed has since sought to distance himself from Piker’s rhetoric.