Democratic Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate David Crowley announced he will not campaign with far-left socialist Twitch streamer Hasan Piker. In an interview with WISN 12 News released on Wednesday, Crowley expressed concerns about platforms that he believes further divide the Democratic Party.

"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," Crowley said. "But, I do know that we have to focus on bringing everybody under this tent."

Crowley emphasized the importance of uniting the party, stating, "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."

When asked directly by WISN 12 News' Matt Smith if he was referring to Piker and whether he planned to campaign with him, Crowley responded, "I’m talking about anybody who focuses on divisive language. I don’t plan on campaigning with Hasan, if that’s what you’re asking me. No."

Piker, following the Wisconsin primary loss of a socialist candidate named Hong, stated that "the knives will be out" for the socialist left and argued that Democratic establishment figures will intensify efforts to stop insurgent candidates, as they no longer underestimate the progressive movement.

Crowley's decision comes after he narrowly defeated a socialist rival in a key swing-state battle, highlighting ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party over its future direction.

Sources