Texas Democrats will not attend an appearance by left-wing commentator Hasan Piker at UT-Austin on Wednesday evening.
The event is sponsored by University Democrats, a student organization officially recognized by the Texas Democrat Party.
Piker’s speech became mired in controversy after University Democrats alleged that university officials were attempting to suppress the event by only making a small room available.
The event, which was originally open to the public and press, will only permit UT students, faculty, and staff to attend.
Texas Scorecard asked each campaign on the Democrat statewide ticket if their candidate would attend this event.
Attorney General candidate Nathan Johnson and Agriculture Commissioner candidate Clayton Tucker both stated that they would not attend.
Comptroller candidate Sarah Eckhardt stated that she “will not be in attendance at the event due to a prior voter engagement event,” but released the following statement regarding the room size controversy:
The benefit of attending a world-class institution like the University of Texas is that students are exposed to a variety of viewpoints they can critically engage with in public discourse—and that should be the expectation. The students who have stood firm throughout this situation certainly seem to understand that; I am less sure, however, about those they have had to contend with.
A representative for Land Commissioner candidate Benjamin Flores told Texas Scorecard that he had originally planned to attend “in my official capacity representing the Young Democrats of Hidalgo County,” but not representing the campaign.
He further stated that he intended “to attend the event strictly in a media capacity to request a brief interview with Hasan Piker to help share his message with voters here in the Rio Grande Valley” but ultimately would not be able to attend due to a schedule conflict.
The campaigns for U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico, gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa, and Railroad Commission candidate Jon Rosenthal did not reply to a request for comment.
Piker has an extensive history of anti-American, anti-Semitic, and pro-communist commentary.
Examples include:
- Piker has said that he “hates” the United States on several occasions.
- Piker has stated that the 9/11 attacks were a justified response to U.S. foreign policy.
- Piker routinely recycles discredited allegations of Israeli “genocide” and has described Jews as “bloodthirsty pig dogs.”
- Piker frequently praises communist figures such as Mao, Fidel Castro, and Che Guevara.
While Piker is popular with the Democrat base, he is otherwise ridiculed.
A self-described anti-capitalist who rails against the rich, “wage theft,” and inequality, Piker owns a $3 million home in Los Angeles, drives high-end cars, and wears designer clothes.
Radio host Dana Loesch has described Piker as a “nepo baby terror apologist.”
UT-Austin is a component of the University of Texas System. The UT System is overseen by a Board of Regents that is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Texas Senate. Kevin Eltife of Tyler is the current board chairman.
