Twitch streamer and political commentator Hasan Piker is throwing his support behind two New York congressional candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, arguing that their victories could help move the country closer to socialism.
Piker spoke Thursday at a Brooklyn rally for the New York City DSA slate ahead of the state’s June 23 Democratic primaries. The event focused on two congressional candidates: State Assemblywoman Claire Valdez and activist Darializa Avila Chevalier.
Both candidates are running in deep-blue New York districts where winning the Democratic primary could make them strong favorites in the general election. Valdez is running in a district spanning parts of Queens and Brooklyn, while Avila Chevalier is challenging Rep. Adriano Espaillat in a district covering Upper Manhattan and the West Bronx.
Piker told the crowd that socialism may still be far away nationally, but that the current moment offers an unusual opportunity for the left. He praised Valdez and Avila Chevalier as major figures in the socialist movement and urged supporters to keep organizing.
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The rally highlights the growing role of online political influencers in Democratic primaries, especially in cities where younger and more progressive voters can shape low-turnout races. Piker has a large online audience and has increasingly used his platform to support socialist and progressive candidates across the country.
The event also reflects the broader political strategy of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has backed several left-wing candidates since winning the mayoralty. Mamdani’s endorsements have become a major force in city politics, and his allies are now trying to build a larger bloc of democratic socialist officeholders at the city, state and federal levels.
Valdez and Avila Chevalier are both supported by the New York City DSA and Justice Democrats, the progressive group that helped launch Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s 2018 congressional campaign. Their platforms include higher taxes on the wealthy, stronger tenant protections, labor rights, pro-Palestinian foreign-policy positions, and opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Supporters argue that the candidates represent a generational and ideological shift inside the Democratic Party. They say New York voters are frustrated with establishment Democrats and want lawmakers who will directly confront corporate power, housing costs, immigration enforcement and U.S. support for Israel.
Critics say the candidates are too far left for Congress and could create problems for Democrats nationally. Conservative commentators have focused especially on Avila Chevalier’s past social media posts, including deleted comments about Israel, immigration and Democratic leaders. She has also faced scrutiny for pro-Palestinian activism and past statements that critics say were inflammatory.
Avila Chevalier’s supporters argue that the attacks are meant to distract from her organizing record and her criticism of U.S. foreign policy. Her critics argue that her past comments raise serious questions about judgment and electability.
Valdez has drawn less controversy but is also being targeted by opponents who argue that DSA-backed candidates would pull the Democratic Party further left. Her supporters describe her as a union organizer and housing advocate who would bring working-class priorities to Congress.
Piker’s appearance gives both campaigns online visibility, but it also gives opponents more material to frame the races as a test of democratic socialism. Piker has long been a controversial figure because of past comments about American foreign policy, Israel, Hamas and 9/11. His critics argue that mainstream Democrats should distance themselves from him, while his supporters say he is an influential left-wing voice who speaks directly to younger voters.
The timing is important. Early voting has started in New York, and the June 23 primary could determine whether the DSA expands its influence in Congress. If Valdez and Avila Chevalier win, they would strengthen the left flank of the Democratic caucus and show that Mamdani’s political network can influence federal races beyond City Hall.
The races also come as Democrats continue debating how to respond to Trump’s second term. Some party leaders want candidates to focus on broad economic issues, public safety and democracy. The DSA-backed candidates argue that Democrats need a sharper working-class message built around rent, healthcare, labor, climate and foreign policy.
Republicans are watching closely. Conservative media has already begun using the New York races to argue that the Democratic Party is becoming more openly socialist. Democrats in competitive districts may be pressed to say whether they support or reject the DSA-backed candidates.
That dynamic could make the New York primaries more important than their local geography suggests. The districts themselves are heavily Democratic, but the message surrounding them could echo nationally.
Piker appeared to welcome that broader fight. He predicted that future socialist victories could make Mamdani’s win seem less unusual and told supporters that the movement has a chance to send more ideological allies into public office.
Whether that happens will depend on turnout, local organizing and whether voters see the DSA slate as a serious governing force or a protest movement.
For now, the rally shows that New York’s left is trying to turn momentum into institutional power — and that the fight over socialism inside the Democratic Party is far from over.
Why It Matters
This matters because the New York primaries could determine whether democratic socialists expand their influence in Congress. A win by Valdez or Avila Chevalier would strengthen the left wing of the Democratic Party and give Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s movement another major boost.
It also matters because Piker’s role shows how online influencers are becoming part of campaign infrastructure. His support can energize younger voters, but it also gives opponents an easy way to frame the candidates as too radical.
What Comes Next
New York’s Democratic primaries are scheduled for June 23, with early voting already underway. Valdez and Avila Chevalier will try to turn DSA organizing and online support into votes.
Opponents are likely to keep highlighting past controversial comments, socialist policy positions and Piker’s involvement as the races enter their final stretch.
Piker spoke at a DSA rally for Claire Valdez, arguing that socialist candidates are trying to build support across age groups and expand their influence in New York politics.
Hasan Piker speaks at DSA rally for Claire Valdez about how older voters are ready for socialism too
“You think people in this room are radical? You should listen to a 75 year old named Gertrude who’s out there and wants to basically criminalize being a Republican”
“GERTRUDE!… pic.twitter.com/uvySgis4yD
— Popstonox (@Popstonox) June 11, 2026
