Khanna: Those saying ‘don’t engage’ with personalities like Hasan Piker ‘will cost us future elections’

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) argued Sunday that Democratic resistance to engaging with left-wing Twitch streamer Hasan Piker and similar personalities would damage the party's electoral prospects. Khanna's comment reflects a broader debate within Democratic circles about how to reach younger, online audiences who consume political content through unconventional channels. The dispute centers on whether engaging with controversial figures risks legitimizing them or whether avoiding them cedes political ground to competitors. Khanna's position suggests Democrats should embrace broader outreach strategies, even to creators their establishment members view skeptically. The remarks come as Democrats assess their recent election losses and recalibrate messaging to younger voters.