El-Sayed Distances Campaign From Streamer Following Remarks

Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed issued a statement on August 24, 2026, attempting to distance his Michigan campaign from online streamer Hasan Piker following widespread criticism over Piker's recent comments regarding Jewish Americans and Israel.

The controversy emerged after Piker displayed an image of state Sen. Jeremy Moss, the Democratic nominee in Michigan's 11th Congressional District, while discussing Jewish American support for Israel during a livestream.

"I want to be crystal clear, nobody speaks for this campaign besides me and my campaign spokespeople," said Abdul El-Sayed, Democratic Senate nominee in Michigan.

During his broadcast, Piker raised concerns about how public support for Israel could impact Jewish Americans.

"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," said Hasan Piker, online streamer.

El-Sayed, who won the Democratic primary after a close contest against moderate Rep. Haley Stevens, emphasized his stance against antisemitism and political intimidation in his statement.

"I don’t know how people don’t recognize how dangerous this predicament is, how dangerous this is for Jews," said Hasan Piker, online streamer.

In his livestream, Piker continued to criticize individuals who connect their identity to the Israeli state during the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

"You’re running around basically tying your entire identity to a country that inevitably will be seen as Jewish ISIS and you’re saying, as Jews, this is all we care about. You’re making antisemitism worse," said Hasan Piker, online streamer.

Piker previously addressed his use of controversial language during an interview with the media outlet Zeteo.

"I have a policy of using pejoratives when describing any kind of like ethno, racial supremacist groups," said Hasan Piker, online streamer.

El-Sayed stated that his focus remains on economic and healthcare policy issues affecting voters in the state rather than external commentary.

"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," said Abdul El-Sayed, Democratic Senate nominee in Michigan.

El-Sayed further detailed his position regarding community safety and antisemitism.

"My commitment to Jewish safety is the same as my commitment to the safety of my own daughters. 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," said Abdul El-Sayed, Democratic Senate nominee in Michigan.

The Democratic nominee asserted that voters are focused on everyday domestic topics ahead of the general election.

"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. Because that’s what Michiganders keep asking about," said Abdul El-Sayed, Democratic Senate nominee in Michigan.

Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers publicly criticized both Piker and El-Sayed over the comments, calling on El-Sayed to repudiate the streamer completely.

"More calls for violence coming out of the El-Sayed campaign," said Mike Rogers, Republican Senate nominee in Michigan.

Rogers argued that Piker's statements directly threatened American citizens based on their views on Israel.

"Here is his running mate, Hasan Piker, saying that if AMERICAN JEWS support Israel, they will be violently targeted because of it," said Mike Rogers, Republican Senate nominee in Michigan.

The former congressman demanded immediate action from his Democratic opponent regarding Piker's involvement.

"Absolutely DISGUSTING. If Abdul El-Sayed had any courage at all, he would call this out and disavow Hasan Piker once and for all. We’re waiting, Abdul…," said Mike Rogers, Republican Senate nominee in Michigan.

Following El-Sayed's clarification, Rogers reiterated his criticism on Monday afternoon, claiming the response was insufficient.

"Abdul’s attempt at distancing himself from this violent and hateful rhetoric now that he and Hasan won the primary is the epitome of what a conman does — says one thing when it serves him and another when it doesn’t. His rhetoric is causing fear in Michigan communities, is un-American, and makes him unfit to represent our state," said Mike Rogers, Republican Senate nominee in Michigan.

Rogers recently launched a "Democrats for Mike" coalition in Detroit, seeking to attract disaffected Democratic and independent voters, particularly within Michigan's Jewish community.

"I usually vote Democrat, but I'm going to be voting for Mike Rogers," said Asher Lopatin, suburban Detroit rabbi.

Lopatin voiced opposition to El-Sayed's prior campaign appearances alongside Piker.

"has shown contempt for the Jewish community and, frankly, for American values by making Hasan Piker, a vicious antisemite and racist, his campaign surrogate and somebody he buddies up with," said Asher Lopatin, suburban Detroit rabbi.

Religious and political leaders across Michigan continue to organize support ahead of the upcoming November Senate election.