More Than 1,400 Attend Saikat's "Change the Party" Rally Featuring Hasan Piker and National Progressive Candidates

Justice Democrats candidates joined supporters and volunteers ahead of the June 2 primary election

SAN FRANCISCO — More than 1,400 supporters packed San Francisco's SoMa district on Thursday, May 7, for congressional candidate Saikat Chakrabarti's "Change the Party" rally, a grassroots organizing event held just days after ballots began mailing in California's June primary election.

The rally brought together volunteers, supporters, and organizers from across the city alongside political commentator Hasan Piker, former Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Justice Democrats Executive Director Alexandra Rojas, and a slate of progressive candidates running for Congress nationwide.

Candidates joining Saikat on stage included Angela Gonzales-Torres (CA-34), Darializa Avila Chevalier (NY-13), and Melat Kiros (CO-01), all part of a growing movement of candidates challenging the influence of corporate money in Democratic politics. The event raised approximately $20,000 for the three Justice Democrats-backed candidates.

The event also served as a kickoff to the campaign's final get-out-the-vote push ahead of the June 2 primary election, as volunteers continue reaching voters across San Francisco through one of the largest grassroots field operations in the race.

"I decided to run for Congress over a year ago against Nancy Pelosi because I felt then, like I feel today, that we need a new generation of leaders that won't just stop Trump, but that will deliver on a vision for a fundamentally better life for all," said Saikat. "To do that, we have to completely change the direction of leadership in 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."

Hasan Piker focused his remarks on the growing frustration among working people who feel ignored by political and corporate elites.

"Every single one of you is responsible for the productive output in this country," said Piker. It's not the corporations. It's not the military-industrial complex. It's you — the people who have been shafted every single time."

Piker also praised Saikat's campaign and called for a Democratic Party more responsive to working people.

"San Francisco, you deserve better. This city deserves better," said Piker. "We deserve a better party that will put your interests first, and Saikat Chakrabarti will be the person who fights for you."

Justice Democrats-backed congressional candidates also spoke about the broader movement to push the Democratic Party toward working-class issues and grassroots organizing.

"From the Civil Rights Act to fair labor laws to Social Security to the New Deal, the party didn't just wake up one day and decide to do the right thing," said Melat Kiros, congressional candidate for Colorado's 1st District. "It was pushed by organizers and dreamers who looked at the world and refused to accept it as it was. And now, with so much at stake, it's on us to push the party again."

Throughout the night, speakers focused on the need for a new generation of Democratic leadership willing to directly confront the affordability crisis, corporate influence in politics, and growing frustration from working people who feel ignored by the political establishment.

The rally marked the beginning of a series of get-out-the-vote events ahead of the June 2 primary election. A full list of campaign events is available at saikat.us/en/events.