Brodie Jake Dewar, 20, re-entered his plea of not guilty to the unlawful killing charge in Stirling Gardens Magistrates on Wednesday.
The 20-year-old, who is on bail, allegedly attacked Mr Picton, 36, in Northbridge, in Perth's inner city, in the early hours of December 27.
His case was committed for first appearance on August 24 in the Supreme Court, where he will eventually face trial for the charge.
Dewar's family and friends were in court for the brief hearing, as was Mr Picton's widow Priya Brown.
Her husband's death triggered an outpouring of grief from his family, friends and colleagues, as tributes flowed from the prime minister, several premiers and business leaders.
Mr Picton, who has been lauded as a brilliant political tactician, had advised state and federal politicians and helped guide WA Labor to a landslide 2021 election victory.
A Perth court has previously heard Dewar and Mr Picton came face-to-face outside the Paramount Nightclub after an incident inside the venue.
Dewar allegedly struck Mr Picton in the face, and he fell to the ground, hitting his head on the pavement.
Mr Picton died in hospital several weeks later.
The incident was recorded on CCTV.
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