Contributing Article by Mona Malik, founding member of ADBA Executive Board

On Thursday night (5/7/2026) in San Francisco, something special happened. What took place at the “Change the Party” rally hosted by Saikat Chakrabarti did not feel like a typical political event. It felt like the beginning of a movement.

As someone attending a political rally like this for the first time, I was struck not only by the energy in the room, but by the sense of urgency, hope, and unity among people who believe the Democratic Party must become bolder, more courageous, and more connected to working people.

The rally brought together an impressive lineup of progressive voices from across the country, including Darializa Avila Chevalier, Hasan Piker, Melat Kiros, Alexandra Rojas, Jamaal Bowman, and Angela Gonzalez-Torres.

Each speaker brought a different perspective, but they all shared a common message: defeating Trump and MAGA extremism is essential, but simply returning to the status quo is not enough. The Democratic Party itself must evolve if it hopes to truly address the economic struggles, housing crises, healthcare concerns, and growing frustration facing ordinary Americans.

There was repeated emphasis on organizing from the ground up, rejecting corporate influence in politics, and creating a party that fights unapologetically for workers, tenants, immigrants, young people, small business owners and marginalized communities. Rather than speaking in carefully rehearsed political language, many of the speakers spoke with authenticity and conviction that resonated deeply with the audience.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the evening was seeing progressive candidates and organizers from outside California come together in solidarity. It reinforced the idea that this is not just a local campaign or isolated effort…it is part of a broader national movement pushing for transformational change within the Democratic Party.

The audience reflected the diversity of San Francisco itself: young activists, longtime organizers, local business owners, union members, students, immigrants, and people attending their very first political event. The atmosphere was energetic but also thoughtful. People were not there simply to cheer slogans; they were there because they are looking for a new direction in American politics.

For many attendees, especially first-timers, the rally served as a reminder that political engagement can still feel hopeful and inspiring. In an era where politics often feels cynical and exhausting, Thursday night offered something different: a sense that ordinary people still have the power to shape the future.

For Assyrian Democrats of the Bay Area, events like this are important not only politically, but culturally and socially as well. Our communities understand the consequences of war, displacement, authoritarianism, and inequality. We also understand the importance of solidarity and civic participation. Seeing a coalition of diverse progressive voices unite around reform, justice, and democratic accountability was both meaningful and encouraging.

Whether one agrees with every speaker or policy proposal, the energy in the room made one thing unmistakably clear: a growing number of Americans are demanding more from their leaders — and from the Democratic Party itself.

Saikat Chakrabarti represents more than just another political candidate, he inspires a genuine sense of hope that the Democratic Party can evolve into a party that is more principled, people-centered, and willing to challenge entrenched political interests. Throughout the evening, the speakers repeatedly emphasized that defeating Trump and MAGA alone is not enough — the party must also stand firmly against endless war, speak honestly about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and push for an end to both the Palestinian genocide and the escalating conflict with Iran. That moral clarity resonated deeply with many in attendance. Saikat’s message consistently focuses on economic justice, accountability, grassroots organizing, and building a Democratic Party that listens to ordinary people instead of corporate donors and political insiders.

That vision is precisely why Assyrian Democrats of the Bay Area chose to endorse him. At a time when many voters feel disconnected from traditional Democratic leadership, Saikat’s campaign offers something increasingly rare in politics: authenticity, courage, and a belief that meaningful change is still possible when communities organize together.  

Thursday night’s rally was not just about one candidate. It was about a generation of people who believe change is possible, and who are no longer willing to wait quietly for it.