On Thursday CNN program The Lead, Michigan Democratic Representative Haley Stevens said she welcomed Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed moving away from left-wing commentator Hasan Piker. Host Jake Tapper noted that El-Sayed had pursued that separation since the primary after Stevens objected to their joint campaign appearances, and Stevens agreed the split was necessary.

A clip showed El-Sayed telling viewers that Michigan residents were not blaming an online personality from California for higher fuel and grocery costs, unlike chatter in Washington. Tapper then asked whether Piker remained an issue in the state after telling Axios that the United States, measured equally, was worse than al-Qaeda at terrorism and taking lives.

Stevens described Piker as far beyond the limits of the Democratic Party she supports and said she disliked that association, while expressing relief that the nominee now treats the matter as unrelated to his race.