Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate David Crowley announced he will not campaign with Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, citing concerns that platforms like Piker's can further divide the Democratic Party. Crowley, who won the Democratic primary this week, stated his intention in an interview with WISN 12 News.
"I don’t want to lend credibility to platforms, if you will, that I believe further divide us as a community, further divide Democrats, or further divide this country," Crowley said. "But, I do know that we have to focus on bringing everybody under this tent."
When asked directly if he was referring to Piker, Crowley confirmed, "I don’t plan on campaigning with Hasan, if that’s what you’re asking me. No." He added that he is willing to have tough conversations but emphasizes the need to empower community members and voters to unify the party.
Piker had previously campaigned alongside Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist who ran against Crowley in the primary. Following Crowley's remarks, Piker reacted on X, formerly Twitter. "this is devastating news for me, i however wish crowley the best of luck for the wisconsin trifecta," he wrote. "hope he takes some of the great policies that brought out 300k wisconsinites into consideration as the dems work to defeat tom tiffany as a unified front!"
Piker also suggested that the Democratic establishment would intensify efforts to oppose insurgent candidates. "It will be more difficult, though, because the establishment will not underestimate us. It will continue to undermine us, but they will not underestimate us," Piker said. "So, the knives will be out."
Political analyst Eric Ham commented on Crowley's stance, telling Fox News Digital that such statements "fuel division within the Democratic Party and only makes it harder for the party to be a viable check on the Trump administration." Ham argued that with economic challenges and growing unpopularity of the war in Iran, Democrats have a chance for gains in state and local races, and that unity is crucial for the party to avoid squandering potential advantages in the upcoming November elections.