Hasan Piker, a far-left streamer, expressed concern over future challenges for the socialist left after Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong lost in the Democratic gubernatorial primary to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Piker stated that the Democratic establishment is likely to intensify efforts against insurgent candidates due to no longer underestimating the progressive movement.
Piker, who supported Hong along with Rep. Ilhan Omar at a campaign event, viewed Hong’s loss as a signal to socialists aiming to expand on recent primary wins. He emphasized that while the establishment would continue its opposition, it would no longer underestimate the movement’s strength.
Republican National Committee spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre reacted to Piker’s remarks by urging Democrats to distance themselves from him. Baldassarre criticized Piker for his past controversial statements and implied Democrats were reluctant to oppose him.
The primary highlighted a division within the Democratic Party, between its socialist left and traditional coalition. Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialists of America member, received support from prominent figures like Reps. Ilhan Omar, Ro Khanna, and former Ohio state Sen. Nina Turner.
David Crowley won the primary after obtaining endorsements from retiring Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, labor unions, and several local officials. Despite Crowley’s establishment backing, Hong previously attempted to distance herself from Piker, clarifying that appearing on his livestream did not equal endorsement of his views.
In response to Hong’s defeat, former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt mocked Piker and the DSA’s reaction, implying they were struggling to accept the outcome.
Piker described Crowley’s win as not the worst outcome, predicting he would defeat Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in the upcoming election. Piker affirmed his belief in Crowley’s potential success, maintaining optimism about the overall situation.
The primary’s conclusion was delayed due to a reporting error in Milwaukee, where audit logs were mistakenly delivered instead of election results.
Fox News Digital sought comments from Hong, Crowley, and the Democratic National Committee but did not receive responses immediately.
CJ Womack, an associate editor at Fox News, has a background in political science and journalism from Long Beach State University. He joined Fox News Digital in 2026 and remains engaged in political and cultural journalism.