Hasan Piker Campaigns at 2 Michigan Universities for El-Sayed as Senate Primary Fault Lines Deepen
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 2
Hasan Piker Campaigns at 2 Michigan Universities for El-Sayed as Senate Primary Fault Lines Deepen
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 2
Summary
Two Michigan university rallies with streamer Hasan Piker gave Dr. Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate campaign a jolt in April, turning a surrogate appearance into one of the primary’s defining flashpoints.
Piker’s past remarks on Israel, Gaza, Oct. 7 and Sept. 11 fueled backlash from Democrats, sharpening disputes already dividing the race over Israel and electability.
Haley Stevens called El-Sayed’s decision to campaign with Piker “unacceptable,” while then-candidate Mallory McMorrow also attacked him and ultimately damaged her own standing with progressives.
Tens of millions of dollars in outside spending and split Democratic endorsements have made Tuesday’s Michigan Senate primary a high-stakes test for party control and direction.
Recent public polls have shown El-Sayed leading, though surveys over the last month suggested an unsettled contest between the progressive former health official and the more moderate Stevens.