Michigan Democrat El-Sayed Distances From Streamer Piker Amid Race

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is attempting to distance his campaign from streamer Hasan Piker, reportedly calling Piker to warn that his rhetoric was costing El-Sayed votes.

El-Sayed had campaigned with Piker through the primary, despite Piker's past statements, including that America deserved 9/11, Hamas was justified in October 7, 2023, actions, and that Jews supporting Israel should worry about their safety. Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, a Jewish Democrat, stated his Jewish heritage makes him uncomfortable with voting for El-Sayed and will not support him, having backed Haley Stevens in the primary.

El-Sayed, who predicts a seven-point victory despite tight polls, has stated, "I’m not the Democrat the Democrats want, but I am the Democrat that Democrats have." He claims pressure to modulate his progressive positions since the primary but insists he will not, though he now discusses AIPAC less and focuses on high prices for consumer goods and healthcare.

Rabbi Aaron Starr in Southfield expressed concerns for Jewish safety and stated he cannot vote for a candidate who will not affirm his community's core needs. A panel of committed Democrats told MS NOW they could not vote for El-Sayed. El-Sayed is seeking to become the first Muslim U.S. senator and is scheduled to debate Republican Mike Rogers on Thursday.

The RealClearPolitics average of polls shows El-Sayed leading Rogers by 3 points. He recently announced Barack Obama would campaign with him in Michigan later in October. El-Sayed once claimed to hold Egyptian citizenship in 2016.