A former top aide to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), has announced he is running for Congress against Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi in San Francisco, arguing that the Democratic Party needs a new generation of leadership.
In a statement launching his campaign on X, Saikat Chakrabarti criticized Democratic leaders for failing to adapt to the current political moment, particularly in the face of what he described as an "illegal seizure of government" by President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.
"I respect what Nancy Pelosi has accomplished in her career, but we are living in a totally different America than the one she knew when she entered politics 45 years ago," Chakrabarti said.
Chakrabarti also took aim at Pelosi's opposition to progressive influence in the party, citing her role in blocking Ocasio-Cortez from chairing the powerful House Oversight Committee.
Pelosi, 84, recently announced her bid for a 21st term in Congress. Chakrabarti's challenge marks a rare direct confrontation within Democratic ranks, particularly against one of the party's most powerful figures.
Chakrabarti, who co-founded the progressive group Justice Democrats and spent the past five years running a policy think tank in San Francisco, says he will run a grassroots campaign focused on direct voter engagement rather than traditional big-donor fundraising. He touts bold solutions to address economic inequality, housing, and the rising cost of living.
With Pelosi's deep ties and strong name recognition, unseating her will be an uphill battle. Chakrabarti's challenge underscores the growing tensions between the floundering party's progressive wing and long-established leadership.
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