Michael LaRosa, former press secretary to Jill Biden, announced he will not back Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed due to the candidate’s link with streamer Hasan Piker. Piker previously received backlash for remarks about the Sept. 11 attacks. In 2019, Piker reportedly stated that “America deserved 9/11,” sparking widespread criticism.
LaRosa, breaking from his party, expressed his support for Republican Mike Rogers over El-Sayed. He criticized El-Sayed’s association with Piker, noting that appearing with someone doesn’t mean endorsing all their statements. This issue is personal for LaRosa, as his best friend’s mother died on Sept. 11 by jumping from the burning World Trade Center’s 95th floor.
“I won’t defend anyone too cowardly to challenge extremists who think my friend’s mother deserved her fate,” wrote LaRosa. “Her crime was going to work that day.” He accused El-Sayed of not standing up to Piker, who claimed she “deserved” her outcome.
The controversy reveals deeper divisions within the Democratic party on extremism and acceptable rhetoric. This fracturing might lead some Democrats to cross party lines in crucial races.
El-Sayed is contending with Republican Mike Rogers for the seat vacated by retiring Sen. Gary Peters. The Michigan Senate race, in this battleground state, could significantly affect control in Washington, D.C. A shift in Democratic support might impact the election’s outcome.
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