Michigan Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens has called on Abdul El-Sayed, the party's nominee for the U.S. Senate, to cut ties with controversial far-left streamer Hasan Piker. Stevens, who competed against El-Sayed in a closely contested Democratic primary, stated that El-Sayed should now focus on appealing to Michigan voters as he pivots to the general election against Republican candidate Mike Rogers.
"It certainly makes sense to get rid of this Hasan Piker affiliation," Stevens said, emphasizing that the Democratic platform offers superior plans for healthcare, democracy, and Black-owned businesses compared to those proposed by Rogers. Stevens, who backed El-Sayed after the primary, noted that she continues to advocate for the party's values and wants constituents who share those values to feel represented within the Democratic Party.
The race to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters is considered a critical contest for Democrats and one of several key Senate races that could determine the balance of power. A recent Fox News poll indicates that El-Sayed trails Republican candidate Mike Rogers by four points. The poll also suggests El-Sayed is underperforming with Black voters, women, and suburban voters when compared to former Vice President Kamala Harris's performance in the 2024 presidential election.
Stevens highlighted her own strong performance with key demographics, identifying herself as a Zionist Democrat and asserting that the party has space for diverse communities. She expressed a desire for those who share her views and values to feel secure and heard within the Democratic Party.
Rogers and El-Sayed are scheduled to compete in the general election in Michigan on November 5.