Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., has publicly condemned streamer Hasan Piker, a significant ally of Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, amid ongoing scrutiny over Piker's ties to the Democratic candidate. Stevens, who narrowly lost the Democratic Senate primary to El-Sayed last week, stated that Piker "should be condemned" and questioned his relevance to Michigan politics.
Speaking on NewsNation's "Vargas Reports," Stevens reiterated her stance when asked about Piker's involvement in El-Sayed's campaign. "I believe he should be condemned. I do. I said that, that's what I was just saying to you," Stevens said. "On election day, I said that, and if asked again, and you're asking me, I do think he should be condemned. I don't know what the guy has to do with Michigan."
Stevens also rejected the notion that Piker represents the Democratic Party, stating, "I don't agree with Piker. I don't think he's a part of the Democratic Party." She suggested, "Maybe Bernie can talk to him. I don't really know."
Piker was a visible supporter of El-Sayed during the primary, appearing at campaign events with the candidate. The association became a notable issue as the primary election approached. Hours before polls closed on August 4, Stevens had urged El-Sayed to distance himself from Piker and denounce his rhetoric, telling Fox News Digital, "I do think his rhetoric should be denounced. I do think that my opponent should distance himself from him."
Despite her criticism of Piker, Stevens affirmed her support for El-Sayed in the general election against Republican nominee Mike Rogers. Appearing on Fox News' "America's Newsroom," Stevens stated, "I believe in democracy. He won the majority of the votes, and I'm going to continue to stand by my positions."
El-Sayed has previously addressed some of Piker's controversial remarks, including a past statement that "America deserved 9/11." El-Sayed described the remark as "dumb" and criticized "cancel culture" while asserting that the United States did not deserve the terrorist attacks. "Of course it was a dumb statement and, of course, I think Hasan himself would say that was a dumb statement," El-Sayed said.
El-Sayed will face Republican Mike Rogers in November for the open Senate seat vacated by the retirement of Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich. This race is considered a key contest that could influence control of the Senate.