Democratic Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate David Crowley said he would not be campaigning with far-left socialist Twitch streamer Hasan Piker during an interview released on Wednesday.
Crowley said he didn’t want to lend credibility to platforms that further divide the Democratic Party, in an interview with WISN 12 News.
“I don’t want to lend credibility to platforms, if you will, that I believe further divide us as a community, further divide Democrats, or further divide this country. But, I do know that we have to focus on bringing everybody under this tent,” Crowley said.
“So, I’m always willing to have those tough conversations. But we also have to utilize not just myself —there are many community members, there are many voters, there are many supporters that we can empower to bring people to be a part of this big tent we call the Democratic Party,” he said.
WISN 12 News’ Matt Smith asked Crowley directly if he was talking about Piker specifically, and if he was planning to campaign with the streamer.
“I’m talking about anybody who focuses on divisive language,” he said, adding, “I don’t plan on campaigning with Hasan, if that’s what you’re asking me. No.”
Piker campaigned alongside Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist who ran against Crowley in the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary.
HASAN PIKER CALLS FOR DEMOCRATS WHO OPPOSE ABDUL EL-SAYED TO BE ‘PUNISHED’
The streamer reacted to Crowley’s remarks on X.
“this is devastating news for me, i however wish crowley the best of luck for the wisconsin trifecta. 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!” Piker wrote.
Piker said Wednesday that “the knives will be out” for the socialist left after Hong’s loss in the Wisconsin primary.
Piker argued during his livestream that Democratic establishment figures will work harder to stop insurgent candidates because they no longer underestimate the progressive movement.
“It will be more difficult, though, because the establishment will not underestimate us. It will continue to undermine us, but they will not underestimate us,” Piker said. “So, the knives will be out.”
Eric Ham, a political analyst, told Fox News Digital in a statement that Crowley’s comments “fuel division within the Democratic Party and only makes it harder for the party to be a viable check on the Trump administration.
“Moreover, as the economy falters and the war in Iran grows more unpopular, Democrats have a very real shot at tangible pickups, not just in Washington, but in state and local races. Wisconsin is a clear example of this. Now is the time for the party, left and center, to unify behind its candidates and chart clear messaging and contrasts versus Republicans. Otherwise, Democrats risk squandering tremendous gains in November,” Ham continued.
The Democratic Socialists of America did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital‘s request for comment.