Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Crowley has made clear he will not share a stage with left-wing streamer Hasan Piker, who endorsed his primary opponent earlier this year. In an interview with WISN, a Milwaukee ABC affiliate, Crowley said he wants to avoid platforms that he believes deepen divisions within the Democratic Party and the broader community.
“I don’t want to lend credibility to platforms, if you will, that I believe further divides us as a community, further divides Democrats,” Crowley told WISN when asked about the possibility of campaigning alongside Piker. Pressed on whether he would collaborate with the Twitch star, Crowley was blunt: “I don’t plan on campaigning with Hasan.”
The decision distances Crowley from a figure who has championed several progressive candidates, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Michigan Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed, and Francesca Hong, Crowley’s primary rival. Piker’s past inflammatory comments—including a 2019 remark about 9/11—have made him a target for Republicans and a liability for some moderate Democrats. He later walked back the statement, telling Mehdi Hasan on a podcast that he “should have phrased things better,” while maintaining his criticism of Israeli settlers and racial supremacist groups.
Piker responded to Crowley’s remarks on X, writing, “this is devastating news for me,” and wishing the nominee “the best of luck” in November. He added, “Hope he takes some of the great policies that brought out 300k wisconsinites into consideration as the dems work to defeat tom tiffany as a unified front!”
Crowley’s primary win was a notable victory for establishment Democrats, who had watched progressive and democratic socialist candidates rack up wins in recent months. His success has shifted the Wisconsin governor’s race in a more favorable direction for the party, according to recent analysis. Crowley has also pushed back against the “progressive setback” label, arguing his campaign can unite the party’s factions.
The streamer’s influence has become a flashpoint in Democratic races. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and strategist James Carville have both criticized Piker, with Carville saying earlier this month that if Piker becomes a force within the party, “I’m out of here.” Piker’s 9/11 comment also resurfaced in the Michigan Senate race, where El-Sayed has faced attacks over the streamer’s support.
Crowley’s stance may appeal to moderate voters in a general election against Republican Tom Tiffany, but it could also alienate the progressive base that rallied around Hong. Hong’s backers, including Rep. Ro Khanna, have stood by her after the primary loss, suggesting the party’s left wing is not fully reconciled to Crowley’s centrist approach.
As the November race approaches, Crowley will need to balance his appeal to independents and moderates with the energy of progressive activists who helped drive turnout in the primary. His decision to keep Piker at arm’s length is a clear signal of where he sees the political center of gravity.
