MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Democratic gubernatorial candidate State Rep. Francesca Hong of Madison is drawing criticism from some of her opponents after appearing on two political influencer platforms that have generated controversy in the past.

During the appearances, Hong raised tens of thousands of dollars. Her decision to appear on the platforms has sparked widespread reaction within her own party and is being viewed by political experts as an interesting campaign strategy.

Twitch streamers and social media influencers have built large online audiences and sometimes do not shy away from controversy.

Hong raised more than $57,000 during an appearance on Hasan Piker's podcast and another $32,000 on Mike from PA's platform. Several of her Democratic opponents released statements criticizing the appearances. While they acknowledged the need to raise campaign funds, they said they did not believe those platforms were the appropriate place to do it.

"I do think that we have to continue to have had and tough conversations but there’s times and places where we need to do that to where we are actually bringing more people together versus dividing them further apart," David Crowley, Democratic candidate for governor, said.

"The Democratic Party is successful when we are a big tent and when we are not focused on labels we are actually focused on delivering for people. For me, it’s about how are we making your kids school better how are we creating more affordable housing," State Sen. Kelda Roys, Democratic candidate for governor, said.

During Hong's appearance on Piker's platform, she discussed her policy priorities and the importance of reaching younger voters. However, one political science professor says voters between the ages of 18 and 29 have historically not been the most reliable voting bloc.

"That surge just never happens. Maybe it will this time but it’s not going to happen on its own. Maybe Hong will mobilize people. But that’s not a safe thing to bet the safe bet is that the electorate is going to skew older," Julia Azari, a professor of political science at Marquette University, said.

There is evidence suggesting younger voters play a more influential role in Wisconsin than they do nationally.

The U.S. Census Bureau tracks voter turnout through a survey every few years. While the data relies on self-reported voter registration and turnout, it provides the closest look available.

Charles Franklin, @PollsAndVotes

In the 2022 midterm election, 49 percent of Wisconsin voters ages 18-24 turned out, compared with the national average of 28 percent.

Among Wisconsin voters 65 and older, turnout was 71 percent, compared with 67 percent nationally. While younger voters still participate at lower rates than older voters, turnout among Wisconsin's youngest voters was significantly higher than the national average.

For some political observers, Hong's appearances on the influencer platforms are another sign that even state-level politics are becoming more nationalized.

"It does sort of suggest that it was a fundraising move and also a move that had to do with cultivating a larger kind of democratic socialist brand and try to bring in that more national support and that national message," Azari said.

Hong released a lengthy statement addressing the criticism. She said she does not agree with everything the influencers whose platforms she appeared on have said but argued that people on the other side of the aisle have also appeared on controversial platforms.

Her full statement is included below.

Following the 2024 election, our party constantly turned over the question of if we, Democrats, were willing to show up in every space, answer tough questions, and fight for our values in front of every crowd. We constantly asked whether Democrats needed our own Joe Rogan, if we needed to go on Joe Rogan, and honestly this conversation feels absent as soon as the guy’s name isn’t Joe Rogan. I don’t necessarily agree with every single statement Hasan has ever made, but it’s inarguable that he uses his massive platform to stand up for working-class people, for trans people, for immigrants, and for other marginalized folks. I think that it’s essential that candidates go on and have conversations with people who have huge audiences because otherwise we cede that space. Hasan asks real questions that matter to actual people, and I’ve taken every opportunity I’ve had to engage folks that way across Wisconsin. Other politicians can run away from hard conversations or look away from the people whose decisions will affect their lives; I’ve proven that I’m willing to talk to anyone - including Republicans - to grow our coalition.

As I said, I disagree with some of his past quotes including the one referenced here from 2019 about landlords hoarding empty properties to drive up rents. I abhor political violence, continue to be the target of threats of political violence, and have condemned violent rhetoric on multiple occasions. If people running for office are suddenly responsible for the things said by folks whose shows they go on, I look forward to seeing Wisconsin press ask more questions about Tom Tiffany's decision to appear on a show that once called for the assassination of Tim Walz or a WI Young Republican leader on Tom Tiffany’s team who just this month chatted up an open neo-Nazi.