Twitch streamer Hasan Piker attributed the declining support for the Democratic Party among Jewish voters in New York to their stance on Israel. The controversy erupted on Wednesday after Piker responded to a CNN segment featuring chief data analyst Harry Enten and anchor John Berman. Piker expressed dismay that the shift was occurring, writing on X that the departure was "literally over the continuation of israel's belligerence" and noting that Republican alternatives did not present a more appealing policy agenda.
The CNN segment highlighted polling data from Siena Polling, which indicated a significant narrowing of the Democratic advantage among Jewish voters in New York since 2022. Enten noted that while Democrats were ahead by 49 points in 2022, the average of polls this year shows a lead of only 13 points. He described the 36-point shift as a major tumble in support for Democrats in both gubernatorial and congressional races. Enten suggested that developments over the past few years had a huge impact on how Jewish voters say they will vote, adding that Republicans are seeing historically strong numbers in this demographic.
Piker's assertion that the shift is solely about Israel drew sharp criticism from various political figures. Sam Markstein, communications director for the Republican Jewish Coalition, told Fox News Digital that Piker's accusation played into an antisemitic trope of dual loyalty. Markstein stated that American Jews are leaving the Democratic Party because its leadership elevates radicalized elements of its base, rather than because of Middle East policy. He also referenced a previous comment by Piker in which he said "America deserved 9/11," labeling Piker an "antisemitic bigot."
Shai Davidai, a former Columbia University professor and author, also responded to Piker on X, rejecting the claim that the issue is about Israel and instead stating it is about people like Piker. Karol Markowicz, a New York Post columnist, argued that Jewish voters have reasons to shift away from Democrats beyond Israel, citing regular assaults on Jews in New York and a lack of care from Democratic officials regarding their safety.
The backlash extended to several Democratic lawmakers who condemned Piker's remarks following his August comments, in which he suggested that American Jews' investment in Israel could lead to violence against them. Senators Elissa Slotkin and Jacky Rosen, along with Representatives Cory Booker, Hakeem Jeffries, Josh Gottheimer, Ritchie Torres, Jared Moskowitz, Brad Schneider, Greg Stanton, and Hillary Scholten, all issued statements condemning the rhetoric. Slotkin emphasized that no community should face threats of violence for their political views, while Rosen described the remarks as a "new low" that provides an excuse for anti-Jewish hate crimes.
Abdul El-Sayed, a Michigan Democratic Senate nominee who had previously campaigned with Piker, distanced himself from the streamer. El-Sayed wrote on X that he stands against any rhetoric that puts communities at risk and affirmed his commitment to Jewish safety. Fox News Digital reached out to Hasan Piker for comment but did not immediately receive a response.