Stephen A. Smith Warns of Hasan Piker’s Influence on Democrats

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has voiced concerns over Hasan Piker’s growing influence in politics and its potential negative impact on the Democratic Party. Speaking with POLITICO host Dasha Burns, Smith warned that Piker might become a liability for the party during general elections by alienating voters outside the progressive base.

“It’s a negative because I think over the long haul from a general populist perspective, it’s going to contaminate the electorate on the left side of the aisle,” Smith stated. “It’s going to come back to haunt them.”

Smith’s comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of Piker’s political role. The Republican National Committee (RNC) has already targeted Piker’s connections to Democratic candidates. RNC national press secretary Natalie Baldassarre criticized Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed for associating with Piker.

Baldassarre labeled El-Sayed a “terrorist sympathizer” for not distancing himself from Piker. She argued this relationship reflects poorly on the Democratic Party’s values and suggested that the party’s reluctance to disavow Piker indicates either alignment with his views or inability to stand against them.

In the context of Michigan’s Senate race, Piker’s role has become a focal point. A Fox News poll showed Republican Mike Rogers leading El-Sayed 51%-47%. Among Democratic Socialists of America, El-Sayed received strong backing, but support dropped among non-DSA Democrats and independents.

El-Sayed defended engaging with Piker’s followers, asserting that Piker’s audience is significant and could be pivotal for his campaign. He explained his strategy to Smith, emphasizing the aim to attract Piker’s audience without endorsing all his views.

“What I’m saying is there are three million people who listen to Hasan,” El-Sayed noted. “I want to offer them a pathway into an electoral movement…”

Smith responded, “So, you’re not thinking about him. You’re not thinking about him. You’re thinking about the three million people that support him, and you’re trying to get those votes. That’s what you’re saying?”

El-Sayed confirmed Smith’s understanding of his approach.

Recently, El-Sayed tried to distance his campaign from Piker after backlash over Piker’s controversial comments on American Jews and Israel. Despite this, Piker’s continued endorsement and involvement in El-Sayed’s campaign activities have been noted.

Fox News Digital reached out to Piker, the DNC, and the RNC for comments but did not receive feedback. Piker has faced controversy for past remarks, including his 2019 statement that “America deserved 9/11,” which he later retracted.

CJ Womack, an associate editor at Fox News, joined in 2026 to emphasize journalism’s impact on politics and culture. His background includes a degree in Political Science with a minor in Journalism from Long Beach State University. You can send news tips to [email protected] and follow him on Twitter.