Left-wing commentator Hasan Piker endorsed Gov. Janet Mills’s (D-ME) Senate campaign in resurfaced videos, while condemning her primary opponent Graham Platner for his controversial past and antisemitic tattoo.
The resurfaced videos of Piker’s previous Twitch streams show him saying multiple times he supports Mills, declaring he is part of the “Mills Mafia.”
“I’m a part of the Janet Mills militia,” he said. “I’ve already made my most ethical voting decision to make.”
Piker has become controversial within the Democratic Party, with some embracing him despite accusations of antisemitism, while others have distanced themselves from the progressive commentator.
In one of the clips, Piker called out Platner over his past comments and behavior, agreeing with a Twitch commenter saying they do not trust that Platner has changed.
“That’s why I feel like a lot of people don’t have any argument when I say, ‘Yeah, that’s why I’m Mills Mafia,’” he said. “This is precisely the reason why I’m riding with Janet Mills, who has a track record that is clear.”
“If those are the two options on the Democratic front, if we’re going to be serious about it, what do you do? Janet Mills all the way,” he added.
Republicans reposted the videos of Piker endorsing Mills, calling on the Maine governor to condemn Piker. Mills’s campaign has not commented on Piker yet.
Throughout his Senate campaign, Platner has faced a wave of controversy over his past sexist remarks and accusations of antisemitism over a tattoo on his chest that reflects a Totenkopf, a symbol used by the Nazis. Mills has used Platner’s past to blast him in political ads.
Piker’s endorsement of Mills deviates from other progressives who have thrown their support behind Platner.
Platner received endorsements from Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).
Warren described Platner as the “real deal” in her endorsement video.
“Look, people are hurting, and people are ready to vote for someone who will actually fight for them, not just nibble around the edges, not just wimp out at holding the rich and powerful accountable,” Warren said. “And people in Maine are fired up and excited for change. … That’s the fighting spirit that the Democratic Party needs now more than ever.”
Piker’s endorsement comes at a pivotal time in the primary race, as Platner is declaring Mills nearly finished two months before the June primary, pivoting the campaign to focus on defeating incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).
Platner holds a comfortable primary lead, with 55% supporting him, 28% supporting Mills, and 13% saying they are undecided, according to a March Emerson College Polling survey.
In recent weeks, Piker has gone a step further from commentary, endorsing candidates and joining those he supports on the campaign trail.
Piker joined Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El Sayed on Tuesday for his campaign stops at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
When pressed on disavowing Piker’s controversial comments, El Sayed declined to distance himself from Piker.
DEMOCRATS SQUIRM AS THE LEFT EMBRACES CONTROVERSIAL STREAMER HASAN PIKER
It is unclear if Piker will also campaign with Mills before the Maine Senate Democratic primary.
The Washington Examiner contacted Mills’s Senate campaign for comment.
