Full Breakdown
Former DSA Member Warns of Far-Left Influence in Michigan Senate Race
9/9/2026, 12:03:59 AM
Core Event
Jake Altman, a former member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) who lives in Michigan, has publicly warned that the organization is being taken over by extremist factions and that this shift threatens the Democratic Party’s moderate wing. He also characterizes Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed as “sanctimonious” and claims the candidate’s campaign has failed to distance itself from streamer Hasan Piker, whose past remarks have praised violent actions and extremist regimes.
Background & Context
The DSA, once described by Altman as “a broader liberal tradition” that rejected communism, has, according to his account, become “unrecognizable” compared with a decade ago. He points to the organization’s 2025 convention decision to allow Leninist participation as evidence of a broader ideological shift. Altman also notes that DSA co-chair Megan Romer, whom he labels a “Marxist-Leninist,” traveled to Cuba in the prior year with about 40 far-left activists and praised the country’s policies.
Official Statements & Responses
Altman’s statements were made in interviews with Fox News Digital. He also recounted a personal encounter with Abdul El-Sayed at the Michigan Democratic Party endorsement convention, during which El-Sayed asked Altman, “why all the hate?” after Altman criticized the campaign.
Criticism & Opposition
He alleges that El-Sayed’s campaign has not condemned Hasan Piker, who in 2019 reportedly said “America deserved 9/11,” praised Mao Zedong and Communist China, and advocated violence against capitalists.
Verbatim Quotes
- “So, I think that it's up to everyone to not sit on their hands, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, we all need to be out there,” — Jake Altman
- “We all need to be supporting candidates who love this country, who want to deliver for Michiganders. We should not be leaning into this sectarian politics. My fear is we've seen the left wing of the Democratic Party import the politics of Hezbollah into the United States, and now we're living with the sectarian aftermath of that.” — Jake Altman
- “So, I've met Abdul several times,” — Jake Altman
- “When I was at the Democratic Party convention, the recent Democratic Party nominating convention, [Abdul El-Sayed] recognized me," Altman continued, clarifying that he was referring to April's contentious Michigan Democratic Party endorsement convention.” — Jake Altman
- “EL-SAYED’S HASAN PIKER PROBLEM FOLLOWS HIM TO DEM CONVENTION AS JEWISH VOTERS BREAK RANKS "We see that the guy is not a straight shooter, he's not an honest broker," said Altman.” — Jake Altman
- “So, you had this older generation that was very tolerant, part of a broader liberal tradition, engaged in a productive way with the Democratic Party, not a destructive way as we see today," Altman explained.” — Jake Altman
