Minnesota Politics: Streamer Hasan Piker Joins Rep. Ilhan Omar on Campaign Trail

Hasan Piker, a Twitch streamer, campaigned alongside Representative Ilhan Omar in Minnesota on Monday night. The two hosted a joint event in the lawmaker’s home state just over one week before the 2026 midterm elections. Piker addressed questions from Fox News Digital on Tuesday morning at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. He responded to criticism from party leaders regarding his decision to stand with Omar during this high-stakes period.

The political alliance comes amid two federal investigations into the Minnesota Democrat. Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Justice are probing allegations of immigration fraud and financial disclosure discrepancies. A recent federal court filing refers to the congresswoman as "Ilhan Nur Said Elmi, a/k/a Ilhan Abdullahi Omar." A source told Fox News Digital that this specific naming language reflects evidence compiled during the immigration fraud probe. Omar has denied wrongdoing and described the targeting as political.

Democratic leaders in Minnesota have expressed concern over the partnership. Senator Amy Klobuchar called Piker’s past statements "reckless and unacceptable." Representative Angie Craig described his rhetoric as "polarizing and dangerous." Craig specifically labeled the event with Omar as a "mistake." Piker dismissed these criticisms while walking to security. He noted that Craig lost her last election and predicted Klobuchar would serve well as governor.

Piker also addressed his comments on Israel and Jewish Americans. He stated, "Anti-Zionism is not antisemitism." He added that he finds bigotry morally repugnant but believes it is a shame to criticize those who speak out on Israel’s war in Gaza. Piker declined to answer a question about his previous claim that America "deserved 9/11." He moved through the security line without providing a response to that specific inquiry.

During the Monday night event, both figures attacked President Donald Trump. Omar criticized the president’s focus on Minnesotans. Piker argued that migrants are neighbors and allies rather than a national security threat. He stated that migrants make the country strong and great. Piker concluded that any Democrat who refuses to recognize this reality is, in his opinion, un-American.

The choice to work with Piker follows a similar move by Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. El-Sayed drew backlash from his own party for campaigning with the streamer earlier in the cycle. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has also called out Piker for extreme comments. The situation highlights a divide among Minnesota Democrats regarding whether to leverage Piker’s large young audience to drive voter turnout despite his controversial history.