Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Crowley says he will not campaign with Hasan Piker

Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Crowley said he will not campaign with Hasan Piker, a political commentator and Twitch streamer with a large online following who has also promoted progressive-leaning figures within the Democratic Party.

Crowley’s statement, reported by The Hill on Aug. 13, comes amid heightened scrutiny of how political campaigns handle endorsements and alliances from high-profile internet commentators, particularly those who cultivate national attention through streaming platforms.

According to the report, Piker previously supported Crowley’s rival in the Democratic primary, Francesca Hong. The statement indicates that Crowley intends to separate his general-election campaign from Piker’s involvement despite Piker’s prior backing of another candidate in the same party’s earlier nomination contest.

Crowley’s decision also highlights a broader pattern in modern campaign operations, where candidates must weigh whether to incorporate endorsements from prominent media personalities whose audiences may not be aligned with a campaign’s preferred message or coalition. In this case, Crowley said he would not campaign alongside Piker, even as Piker has been described as a longtime commentator who has amplified other progressive-leaning Democrats.

The Hill reported that Piker has promoted Democratic rising stars with progressive leanings, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams. That context was part of the account surrounding Piker’s influence and the reasons Crowley’s refusal to campaign with him could draw attention from voters and political observers.

Crowley’s statement is consequential primarily for campaign logistics and public appearances. By distancing his candidacy from Piker, Crowley is indicating that he intends to control who joins him in public-facing events during the general-election period, rather than relying on outside figures who have previously endorsed another contender within his party.

The report did not indicate whether Piker had requested to participate in specific Crowley events, nor did it detail any formal backlash or response from Piker or from Hong’s campaign. It also did not provide further documentation beyond Crowley’s stated position and the prior primary support referenced in the report.

As Wisconsin prepares for its statewide general election, Crowley’s decision is likely to shape how the campaign manages endorsements from online commentators and how it addresses questions about coalition-building inside the Democratic Party, particularly where earlier primary rivalries are involved.