Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently suggested that statements and associations from Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed could be deemed “disqualifying.” This statement came during an Election Day segment on CNBC’s Squawk Box.
When asked by host Joe Kernen about El-Sayed’s ties to far-left influencer Hasan Piker, Buttigieg affirmed, “The answer to your question is yes,” indicating he finds some of El-Sayed’s views troubling. However, he still would predictably back El-Sayed over Republican Mike Rogers due to critical healthcare policy distinctions.
Electoral Dynamics
This conversation followed a prior debate where El-Sayed dismissed inquiries about threats from Israel and Iran, labeling the question “a ridiculous hypothetical.” He indicated that both nations posed their own dangers.
Conversely, during an October 14 segment on Fox News, Buttigieg criticized El-Sayed’s stance, asserting, “Yeah, Iran is our enemy. Israel is not. They’re an ally, so that’s pretty clear to me.” Buttigieg’s views sharply contrast with those of El-Sayed.
POLL: Should Trump Cut Off Aid To Countries That Side With Iran Over America?
Pete Buttigieg says Abdul El-Sayed refusing to denounce Hasan Piker is disqualifying.
CNBC: The association with Hasan Piker that El-Sayed has, wouldn’t that be disqualifying for you? Would you distance yourself?
BUTTIGIEG: "The answer to your question is Yes." pic.twitter.com/TbM3VD12mE
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) November 3, 2026
Buttigieg also expressed confusion about why El-Sayed seemed troubled by the question, reiterating that he does not align perfectly with any candidate but still favors El-Sayed due to his healthcare positions.
El-Sayed has encountered criticism for collaborating with Piker during the Democratic primaries. The candidate has since claimed to disagree with Piker on multiple issues and indicated there would be no future joint campaigning in the general election.
Piker has made inflammatory comments regarding various groups, including a controversial assertion that “Hamas is a thousand times better than a fascist settler colonial apartheid state.” He also previously remarked that America “deserved 9/11,” though he later backtracked on that statement.
Furthering the scrutiny, El-Sayed’s sister, Eman Abdelhadi, has posted on social media expressing support for the Muslim Brotherhood, which is known for its extremist views. She referenced her family’s longstanding connection with the group amidst her activism.
