Michigan Democrat El-Sayed Separates Campaign from Streamer Piker Over Controversial Remarks on Jewish Americans

Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan, sought to create separation from one of his prominent backers Monday following inflammatory statements made by the streamer. El-Sayed emphasized that only he and designated campaign representatives speak on behalf of his candidacy in a written statement released as the controversy intensified.

The firestorm erupted after Hasan Piker, who endorsed El-Sayed during the Democratic primary and attended several campaign events including a Detroit primary night celebration, made comments on his livestream last week. Piker displayed an image of state Sen. Jeremy Moss, the Jewish Democratic nominee in Michigan’s 11th Congressional District, and warned that if Jewish Americans continue framing themselves as singularly devoted to Israel, “eventually someone is going to come around and take action, not against the state of Israel, mind you, but against American Jews.”

Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers, whom El-Sayed faces in November’s general election, seized on the remarks to criticize both the streamer and the Democratic nominee. Rogers posted on social media that El-Sayed should demonstrate courage by completely disavowing Piker, calling the comments “absolutely DISGUSTING.” Democratic Rep. Hillary Scholten of Michigan also condemned Piker as “a hack who thrives on hate.”

In his response, El-Sayed stated his belief that all Americans deserve the right to advocate for their convictions without threats of violence. He declared his commitment to Jewish safety matches his commitment to his own daughters’ safety and characterized antisemitism as “a scourge” requiring action across all manifestations of the prejudice.

El-Sayed’s record on Israel has drawn criticism from some Jewish voters in Michigan, a state with substantial Arab and Muslim populations. He has used the term “bloodthirsty” to describe Israel’s military operations in Gaza, accused Israeli leadership of committing genocide against Palestinians, and opposed unconditional U.S. military assistance to Israel, though he has repeatedly declined to directly address whether Israel has the right to exist.

Jewish leaders in Michigan remain divided over El-Sayed’s candidacy. Some are circulating an open letter encouraging Jewish Democrats and independents to support Rogers, with organizers arguing the situation represents an existential moment. Rabbi Asher Lopatin of suburban Detroit, who endorsed Rogers, contended that El-Sayed “has shown contempt for the Jewish community” through his association with Piker.

Joan Lowenstein, endorsement chair of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus, declined to endorse the letter urging votes for Rogers but acknowledged the concerns are genuine. She noted many lifelong Democrats feel displaced and perceive a shift in their party toward positions they view as anti-Jewish sentiment.

El-Sayed’s communications director stated that he consistently distinguishes between legitimate criticism of Israeli state policies and antisemitism. She noted El-Sayed remains in dialogue with Jewish leaders statewide as he builds a broad coalition to defeat Rogers and restore Democratic Senate control.

Rogers, a former FBI agent, narrowly lost his previous Senate bid in Michigan two years ago by approximately 20,000 votes. He is now actively recruiting Democrats, particularly Jewish voters, to cross party lines in his rematch against El-Sayed, positioning himself as an alternative for party members uncomfortable with the Democratic nominee’s positions.