Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed attracted criticism on Monday, the eve of the state's primary election, for attending a pool party with far-left streamer Hasan Piker. The event, hosted by a content creator in Detroit, also included appearances by progressive House candidates and Democratic Socialists of America members Melat Kiros and Chris Rabb, as well as Michigan state Rep. Donavan McKinney.
Piker, who commands a large following across social media platforms, has previously appeared on the campaign trail with El-Sayed. His past controversial statements, including remarks suggesting he does not criticize Mao Zedong and comments about 9/11 and Hamas, have drawn scrutiny. El-Sayed has stated he does not agree with all of Piker's positions but has faced pressure to further distance himself from the streamer.
Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., El-Sayed's primary opponent, publicly urged him to disassociate from Piker. Speaking to Fox News, Stevens expressed discomfort with Piker's rhetoric, particularly his past praise for Mao Zedong. "Some of this stuff makes people uncomfortable. Frankly, it makes me uncomfortable," Stevens stated. She suggested El-Sayed should instead engage with Michigan's small businesses if he were to win the nomination.
The Republican opposition also voiced disapproval. Samantha Cantrell, NRSC Regional Press Secretary, characterized Piker as an "antisemite and terrorist sympathizer" and criticized El-Sayed for associating with him. Alyssa Brouillet, campaign communications director for presumptive GOP nominee Mike Rogers, echoed these sentiments, suggesting El-Sayed was giving Republicans an easy opening.
Piker, when asked hours before the pool party about potentially campaigning with El-Sayed after the primary, responded affirmatively. El-Sayed is competing against Stevens in the primary election, with polls closing at 8 p.m. local time. Recent projections suggest El-Sayed is expected to advance to face Rogers in the general election.