MI-SEN: Michigan Senate candidate El-Sayed declines to disavow Hasan Piker's past comments

[RandySF]

East Lansing, Michigan — Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed declined during a campaign stop Tuesday to denounce Hasan Piker’s past comments and defended the popular far-left streamer’s place in the Democratic Party amid attacks from the center-left.

In an interview with POLITICO while standing next to Piker, El-Sayed said he believes it’s “critical” that Democrats embrace Piker, who has drawn criticism from Democrats and Republicans over his comments about Israel and U.S. foreign policy — including from El-Sayed’s two most formidable opponents, Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) and Democratic state Sen. Mallory McMorrow.

In 2019, Piker said on his livestream that “America deserved 9/11,” though he later apologized for the remark. In the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, Piker strongly condemned the Israeli response in Gaza and has disparaged the government in terms some Jews and supporters of Israel have labeled antisemitic.

Asked if he would disavow any of Piker’s views, El-Sayed said attempts to pin Piker’s past comments to him amounted to a “gotcha game.”



https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/07/el-sayed-hasan-piker-michigan-senate-00863223

[JI7]

1. Yet people take an issue with me saying he is the face of the "progressive left"

the candidate described as most progressive is embracing Piker.

[EdmondDantes_]

2. How did he whiff that badly on such an easy question?

[BlueNProud]

3. Piker is a charlatan

Tried listening to this guy and do not understand the fuss. Nothing original or insightful. No real passion. Dude is in it for the clicks. He's young, that's about it. Can't hold a candle to someone like Michelle Moodie. I don't think he's that bright.

[mr715]

4. He is extremely arrogant.

He is a smart enough guy, but he's not the heavyweight he thinks he is, and he also does not understand his privilege

[BlueNProud]

5. There's no "there" there.

He's a single issue Israel obsessive. I'm disgusted with the Israeli government but it's like issue number 8 with me right now. He's the type who will always find a reason to not support Democrats.

[mr715]

6. Yeah, a trait he shares with his uncle

[Cha]

7. That's Sick. Who else is running as

a Dem in Michigan?

TY!

[fujiyamasan]

8. Here's a list (quick summary)

“Key 2026 Democratic Senate Primary Candidates:

Abdul El-Sayed: Physician, 2018 gubernatorial candidate, and former Wayne County health director, running on a progressive platform focusing on healthcare and economic issues.

Mallory McMorrow: Michigan State Senator from Royal Oak known for national profile, seeking the nomination as a prominent suburban voice.

Haley Stevens: U.S. Representative for Michigan's 11th district, representing a moderate, establishment-supported wing of the party. “

Stevens was my rep back in Michigan. She fits the mold of the other senator, Elisa Slotkin. I’m not thrilled about all of her policies (like with Israel), but she’d make a decent senator. More importantly, I think she’d have a good chance winning. I don’t know enough about McMorrow, but I’ve heard she’s more progressive. I don’t live in the state anymore so haven’t done too much research.

El-Sayed needs to go back to the drawing board. He can run for some other local seat. I don’t think he’s a really good fit statewide. Michigan is a purple state. Associating himself with a degenerate ass hole like Hassan Piker doesn’t do him any favors. It shows some terrible judgement in my opinion.

[Cha]

9. Wow... TY So Much... I actually did

a search.. but nothing was coming up.. and my laptop is acting up, making it hard to scroll.

TY for the Side Notes, too!

[fujiyamasan]

10. Sure no problem

My sister is visiting from Michigan this week and I’ll ask her if she’s familiar with the candidates. I’m not sure if she votes in the dem primaries though.

This wiki has a list of endorsements too:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_Senate_election_in_Michigan

[Cha]

11. Wiki is full of Good info and Super interesting!

Mahalo, fujiyamasan

Rep Haley Stevens looks very capable. :patriot