Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, reportedly contacted streamer Hasan Piker to warn that his comments were hurting the campaign's standing with voters. According to a report by CNN published Wednesday, El-Sayed called Piker and asked him to stop making certain remarks after his statements on Israel generated significant controversy.
CNN reporter Edward-Isaac Dovere wrote that the phone conversation was described by two people who were told about it. They said El-Sayed warned Piker that his rhetoric was costing votes and requested that he cease the behavior. Piker did not respond to requests for comment on the matter. Although El-Sayed has denied that he is attempting to moderate his political positions ahead of the November election, the reported call suggests a strategic effort to manage the perception of his candidacy.
The tension between the two figures has grown since they campaigned together during the primary election. El-Sayed has faced criticism for his association with Piker, who has a history of making inflammatory statements. One such remark involved Piker suggesting that the United States "deserved" the September 11 attacks. While El-Sayed has stated that he does not agree with all of Piker's beliefs, he initially declined to explicitly disavow those comments.
The rift widened in August after Piker made remarks during a stream that appeared to blame American Jews for antisemitic attacks. Piker stated that if American Jews continued to emphasize their investment in Israel, someone might take action against them rather than against the state of Israel. Following this incident, El-Sayed began distancing himself from the streamer. He said his campaign has no involvement with a "Twitch streamer in California" and indicated he has no plans to appear with Piker in the future.
On Monday, El-Sayed addressed the issue on Fox News' "The Story with Martha MacCallum." He argued that his conversations with Piker are not unique to a personal relationship but are part of a broader effort to engage with people he wants to reach. "The question is not about a relationship I got with a streamer in California," El-Sayed said on the program. He added that he speaks with various individuals because he wants to talk to the folks he is trying to connect with, questioning whether viewers feel better off after two years of President Donald Trump's administration.
Fox News Digital reached out to El-Sayed's campaign and Piker for comment regarding the reported phone call and their ongoing association.