Story perspectives

El-Sayed campaigns with Democrats amid Hasan Piker backlash

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 12:37 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

El-Sayed Gains Democratic Backing

U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed met with Senate Democrats to rally support for his Michigan bid.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) praised El-Sayed as a great candidate who will win.
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) announced he will travel to Michigan to campaign with El-Sayed.
El-Sayed faced Republican criticism for campaigning with left-wing streamer Hasan Piker.
He will contest the November election against Trump-backed Republican nominee Mike Rogers.

Summary

El-Sayed Dodges Piker

El-Sayed repeatedly dodged reporter questions about streamer Hasan Piker, insisting voters care about everyday issues.
He told CBS’s Weijia Jiang that Twitch streamers do not raise gas or grocery prices.
In a written statement, El-Sayed condemned antisemitism and pledged safety for Jewish Americans.
Democratic lawmakers including Rep. Hillary Scholten and Sen. Cory Booker publicly rebuked Piker’s remarks, increasing intra-party pressure.

1 of 2

El-Sayed Gains Democratic Backing

U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed met with Senate Democrats to rally support for his Michigan bid.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) praised El-Sayed as a great candidate who will win.
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) announced he will travel to Michigan to campaign with El-Sayed.
El-Sayed faced Republican criticism for campaigning with left-wing streamer Hasan Piker.
He will contest the November election against Trump-backed Republican nominee Mike Rogers.

1 / 2