Twitch Streamer Hasan Piker Says He'd 'Absolutely' Campaign for AOC in 2028

Twitch streamer Hasan Piker stated he would "absolutely" campaign for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., if she decides to run for president in 2028. Piker, who has faced criticism for past remarks, made the declaration on an episode of "The Axios Show."

Piker also disclosed that he has been in contact with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, and other politicians not typically associated with democratic socialists. His comments come as some Democratic figures, including Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, have begun to distance themselves from the streamer.

El-Sayed's campaign, in response to Piker's controversial statements, including comparing the U.S. to al-Qaeda in terms of terrorism, issued a statement to Axios and Fox News Digital. The campaign stated they do not agree with such remarks and do not give much weight to the streamer's statements, focusing instead on issues like the cost of gas and groceries.

Piker, when questioned about his past comments comparing the U.S. to al-Qaeda regarding terrorism, responded that "pound for pound as far as the number of deaths, yes." He elaborated that the U.S. has "caused tremendous terror all around the world," impacting both foreign nations and domestic consequences. He cited a strike on a school in Minab, Iran, as an example of an act of terror due to the civilian casualties.

In a separate interview, when asked if he had been asked to stay away from or come to Michigan to campaign for El-Sayed, Piker indicated he had not been approached. He noted that if El-Sayed were to ask for his campaign help so close to the midterm elections, it would signify "real deep problems." Piker articulated his role as mobilizing younger voters, specifically men under 45, who are college-educated and non-college-educated, rather than older demographics.

Media commentator Kaivan Shroff commented on Piker's public alignment with Democrats, noting a tension between seeking electoral influence and maintaining a streamer's lack of accountability for their rhetoric. Shroff suggested that if Piker wishes to aid candidates, he should refrain from making inflammatory comments that require their campaigns to issue explanations. He added that candidates have a responsibility to voters, while streamers must maintain audience engagement, implying that Piker's criticism of El-Sayed for creating distance highlights these conflicting incentives.