Saikat's Grassroots Campaign Knocks on 350,000 Doors Across San Francisco

More than 128,000 Voters Reached Ahead of Ballots Being Mailed

SAN FRANCISCO — Ahead of primary ballots being mailed in early May, the campaign for CA-11 congressional candidate Saikat Chakrabarti has spoken with more than 128,000 voters across San Francisco through its massive grassroots organizing program, knocking on more than 350,000 doors.

The campaign's organizing team is homegrown, with over 66% of staff starting as volunteers before transitioning to paid roles, and all field leadership positions filled by individuals who began as volunteers on the campaign.

"A lot of campaigns exploit the fact that young people want to gain experience in politics by having them work for free on campaigns," said Saikat. "But we wanted to do something different and make sure that anyone who was willing to do the work and wanted a paid role was given the opportunity."

Saikat added that this approach reflects how he has built campaigns in the past.

"This was the same way I made hiring decisions when I managed Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's campaign in 2018, where we brought volunteers into paid staff roles. It was the same way many hiring decisions were made during Bernie's 2016 campaign, where I started off as a volunteer before eventually becoming the Director of Organizing Technology. It's only possible on campaigns that have the energy to attract thousands of people, and the energy and excitement on this campaign are like nothing I've ever seen."

The campaign's field program includes approximately 185 organizers, about 30 of whom are Cantonese-speaking, and more than 1,100 volunteers. Organizers engage voters through a range of activities, including door-knocking, phone banking, bus-stop outreach, farmers' markets, small-business engagement, and neighborhood events.

Organizers are paid between $30 and $35 per hour, with Cantonese-speaking organizers earning higher wages to reflect language skills and demand. Most organizers work part-time, while full-time staff receive healthcare benefits.

Nate Allbee, the campaign's political strategist, said Saikat's organizing effort stands out in local politics.

"This is without a doubt the largest field operation in San Francisco's history. I've been doing this work for almost 20 years, and nothing in recent memory even comes close. We have nearly 300 organizers and volunteers out talking to San Francisco voters almost every day," Allbee said.

The campaign has also prioritized outreach to Asian, Chinese American, and Spanish-speaking voters by investing in language accessibility across outreach materials, including flyers and campaign literature, as well as real, on-the-ground engagement. Approximately 30 Cantonese-speaking organizers are part of the team, helping ensure that voters can engage with the campaign in their preferred language.

"San Francisco's Chinese-speaking community is an important part of the city's culture and civic life," Saikat said. "We've made a real commitment to meet people where they are — investing in Cantonese-speaking organizers and helping people access information in their own language. That's the approach I'll bring to Congress — making sure people feel heard and can actually engage with their government."

Ballots for the June 2, Primary Election will begin mailing to registered voters by May 4, with secure ballot drop-off locations opening May 5. The last day to register to vote is May 18, and all active registered voters in California will receive a ballot by mail.