Hasan Piker Shrugs Off Democrat Backlash, Crowns AOC His 2028 Favorite

Hasan Piker says he has no plans to change his political approach despite criticism from Democratic figures over his rhetoric and his support for progressive candidates, and he has identified Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., as his preferred choice for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, as reported by Fox News.

The 35-year-old Twitch streamer discussed his role in Democratic politics during an interview with Fox News at the 2026 Socialism Conference in Chicago.

Piker said Democratic Party officials have not contacted him about coordinating political strategy.

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“I have not had a conversation with anyone from the DNC,” Piker said. “That would be very funny.”

Piker has campaigned for socialist and progressive candidates during the 2026 midterm election cycle, including Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan. His involvement has drawn criticism from some Democratic figures, while Piker has maintained that he intends to continue using his platform to promote candidates and ideas he supports.

Piker told Fox News that he tries “to be as careful as possible” with his language, but acknowledged that the length and format of his livestreams can provide opportunities for opponents to circulate controversial comments.

His political commentary has previously generated controversy, including criticism surrounding a 2019 statement in which he said America “deserved 9/11.”

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Piker later said he should not have used the word “deserved,” while maintaining that his broader argument concerned U.S. involvement in the Middle East.

“It’s not a controversial thing [to argue],” Piker said. “It was the language that I used that was controversial.”

Piker’s political activity has also prompted criticism from established Democrats. Democratic consultant James Carville told Fox News that he does not consider Piker representative of the Democratic Party.

“There’s two things that I know about Hasan Piker,” longtime Democratic Party consultant James Carville told Fox News Channel last week.

“One, he’s an idiot, and two, he’s not a Democrat. So, I don’t answer for idiots, and I don’t answer for people who are not Democrats.”

Other Democratic lawmakers have also criticized or distanced themselves from Piker’s past statements. The group includes House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, as well as Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., according to Fox News.

Piker’s support for El-Sayed has been particularly notable in Michigan. El-Sayed defeated establishment-backed Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., in the Democratic Senate primary in August.

Piker campaigned on El-Sayed’s behalf, but El-Sayed has since distanced himself from the streamer amid questions about their association.

Piker said he remains confident El-Sayed will win in the general election. He also said he is willing to accept responsibility from critics if that does not happen.

“If people want to blame me” in the event El-Sayed loses, Piker said, “they can blame me,” adding, “I think that’s the goal.”

The dispute over Piker’s political influence comes as Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates have made gains in several Democratic primaries.

Piker has become an active supporter of candidates from the party’s progressive wing, while some Democratic leaders have expressed concerns about the effect of his rhetoric on candidates campaigning in competitive races.

Piker said the attention surrounding him is unlikely to cause him to step away from politics. He also argued that Democrats who criticize him now could eventually seek to use his large online audience.

His comments also extended into the 2028 presidential race.

Piker said he intends to support Ocasio-Cortez if she decides to seek the Democratic presidential nomination. Ocasio-Cortez has not announced a 2028 presidential campaign.

“I think she’s great,” Piker said. “She would have some difficulties, of course, but hurdles can be climbed over, and I think she can do it.”

Piker previously identified Ocasio-Cortez as his preferred 2028 candidate during a July interview, selecting her over other potential Democratic contenders.

At that time, he argued that she could energize Democratic voters and attract people who participate in elections less frequently.

Ocasio-Cortez has kept open the possibility of a 2028 presidential campaign but has not committed to one. In July, she told Fox News Digital that she had not seriously considered anything beyond the 2026 midterm elections.

Piker said his influence could continue growing ahead of 2028 and predicted that Democratic politicians who currently criticize him could eventually attempt to make use of his platform if they pursue higher office.

“And I’m not talking about my ideological allies or people who are associated with me right now,” he added.

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