Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed spent the night before the state's primary election at a Detroit pool party with far-left internet personality Hasan Piker, a gathering that quickly became a flashpoint in an already contentious Senate race.
The event was hosted by a content creator and included progressive House candidates Melat Kiros and Chris Rabb, both members of the Democratic Socialists of America, as well as Michigan state Representative Donavan McKinney. Piker, who has roughly 10 million followers across social media platforms, has appeared with El-Sayed multiple times on the campaign trail, intensifying scrutiny of the candidate's willingness to associate with a figure known for provocative statements.
Piker has drawn repeated backlash for his online commentary. He faced criticism after appearing before college students in an outfit resembling clothing associated with former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, and he has previously said he would never criticize Mao, calling him one of the great leaders of the world. In other remarks, Piker has said America deserved the September 11 attacks, defended what he described as Hamas's right to resist militarily, and made controversial comments about the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. El-Sayed has said he does not agree with all of Piker's positions, but he has not distanced himself from the streamer, a decision that has drawn criticism from rivals.
Democratic Representative Haley Stevens, who is running against El-Sayed in Tuesday's primary, was asked about the relationship hours before polls closed. Stevens said Piker does not live in Michigan and argued his rhetoric should be denounced. «I do think that my opponent should distance himself from him,» Stevens said. She questioned what happened at the pool party and contrasted it with her own schedule, saying she spent time with Representatives Hillary Scholten and Debbie Stabenow. She added that comments by figures like Piker make people uncomfortable and said Michigan does not need demagogues or people citing allegiance to Mao.
Republican criticism followed swiftly. Samantha Cantrell, a regional press secretary for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said El-Sayed had spent his final hours before the election poolside with an «antisemite» and «terrorist sympathizer» who believes America deserved 9/11. The campaign of Mike Rogers, the presumptive Republican nominee, also weighed in. Communications director Alyssa Brouillet said Rogers's team was ready to prosecute the case against El-Sayed and suggested the candidate was giving them a head start. She said Michiganders are dealing with serious issues that require a senator focused on their needs rather than someone who spends time with influencers.
Hours before the pool party, Piker attended a campaign event with El-Sayed. Asked whether he planned to keep campaigning with the candidate after the primary, Piker replied, «Are you crazy? Of course.» The two also discussed the reaction to Piker's involvement in the race, including threats by longtime Democratic strategist James Carville to leave the party if Piker becomes a leading voice. Piker said of Carville's comments, «You're sweetening the deal.»
El-Sayed is competing against Stevens in the Democratic primary, with polls closing at 8 p.m. local time. Recent polling suggests El-Sayed is expected to advance to the general election, where he would face Rogers in a race that could help determine control of the U.S. Senate. The El-Sayed campaign did not respond to requests for comment before publication.
