PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALLI WESEMAN | THE PIONEER
Presidential hopefuls descended into San Francisco for the California Democratic Convention from May 31-June 2. This was a chance for candidates to rally voters and raise their poll numbers.
Fourteen presidential candidates spoke at the convention while holding events throughout the weekend to connect with voters and delegates. The most notable absence was former Vice President Joe Biden, who was campaigning in Ohio.
Unlike in previous elections, California will be a super Tuesday state with voters heading to the polls on March 3 with other early voting states. Democratic presidential candidates have been holding rallies in the state to appeal to audiences and distinguish their campaigns in a crowded race that keeps growing.
Candidates were given seven minutes to tell delegates what their vision for America was. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar reiterated that she was the candidate that “announced her campaign in the middle of a snowstorm.”
California East Bay Representative Eric Swalwell came out to Tupac’s “California Love” and thanked California delegates for “sending seven new representives” to the House of Representatives in November.
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper received the most backlash when he told attendees that “if we want to beat Donald Trump and achieve big progressive ideas, socialism is not the answer.” A chorus of boos began to ring out with people waving Bernie signs and yelling the Vermont Senators name.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee followed Hickenlooper and told the crowd that “I am a governor who doesn’t think we should be ashamed of our progressive values.”
For many guests, this was the first time seeing Presidential Candidates such as South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker.