In the wake of the 2024 elections, the Democratic Party is at a pivotal moment, as tensions rise between the party’s establishment and its progressive wings. One of the most significant primary challenges is posed by Saikat Chakrabarti, an Indian American tech entrepreneur turned political activist, who is running to unseat former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in California’s 11th congressional district. While Chakrabarti’s bid raises questions about its viability, it represents the growing frustration within the Democratic Party and a desire for change.
Chakrabarti, the son of Indian immigrants, first rose to prominence in Silicon Valley before shifting his focus to a career in politics. After graduating from Harvard University with a degree in Computer Science, he joined Stripe, where he helped develop the payment platform that became a cornerstone of the fintech industry. He also founded Mockingbird, a web design startup, showcasing his early entrepreneurial spirit.
In 2016, Chakrabarti co-founded Brand New Congress, a political action committee aimed at recruiting progressive candidates. He later helped launch Justice Democrats, supporting left-leaning candidates. His most prominent success came with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s unexpected victory in 2018, for which he served as the chief strategist.
At 39, Chakrabarti’s bid against 84-year-old Pelosi highlights a stark generational divide. He believes that the Democratic Party is due for a new direction, especially after the party’s disappointing results in 2024. By running against Pelosi, Chakrabarti seeks to tap into the desire for fresh leadership and transformational change within the party.
Pelosi’s deep roots in San Francisco, her unmatched fundraising ability, and her electoral resilience make her a formidable opponent. Despite these challenges, Chakrabarti’s experience in progressive campaigns like AOC’s and his direct approach to engaging voters could help him gain traction. His platform focuses on addressing the needs of working-class voters and advocates for significant economic changes.
However, Pelosi’s decades-long popularity and the powerful backing she receives from the Democratic establishment make her a tough opponent to beat. Despite this, Chakrabarti’s candidacy may serve as a rallying point for progressive voters who feel disconnected from the current Democratic leadership. Whether or not his campaign succeeds, it highlights the evolving landscape of the Democratic Party and the potential for greater involvement from Indian American voices in U.S. politics.
