Saikat Chakrabarti Draws 1,400 Supporters At San Francisco Rally

India-West News Desk

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Congressional candidate Saikat Chakrabarti drew a crowd of more than 1,400 to the city’s SoMa district on May 7, launching a final grassroots push ahead of California’s June 2 primary. The “Change the Party” rally focused on efforts to challenge corporate influence and support a new generation of Democratic leadership.

Chakrabarti, who is running for Congress in the seat held by Nancy Pelosi who has announced her retirement, said his campaign is focused on changing the direction of the Democratic Party.

“We need a Democratic Party that knows how to fight against authoritarianism, and we need a Democratic Party that will fight to create a society that works for everyone, not just the richest few,” Chakrabarti said during the event.

The rally featured candidates backed by Justice Democrats, including Melat Kiros of Colorado, Angela Gonzales-Torres of California, and Darializa Avila Chevalier of New York. According to the campaign, the event raised approximately $20,000 for the visiting candidates’ congressional campaigns.

Political commentator Hasan Piker also addressed the crowd, speaking about frustration among working people who feel ignored by political and corporate institutions. Piker said working people, rather than corporations, were responsible for the country’s productive output.

Melat Kiros, a congressional candidate for Colorado’s 1st District, connected the current progressive movement to earlier organizing efforts behind Social Security, fair labor laws and the New Deal.

“And now, with so much at stake, it’s on us to push the party again,” Kiros said.

The event also featured former Congressman Jamaal Bowman and Justice Democrats Executive Director Alexandra Rojas.