A prominent millionaire from Silicon Valley has thrown his hat into the ring for Nancy Pelosi’s congressional seat, gaining support from a well-known drag performer.
Saikat Chakrabarti, 40, shared a video on social media featuring the endorsement from “Peaches Christ” shortly after announcing his candidacy.
In the video, Peaches Christ states, “San Francisco has a unique chance right now. This congressional race will determine if we continue with the status quo or if we elect someone ready to confront the systems responsible for our current crises.”
The event was filled with laughter and smiles as they unveiled plans for an April 4 “Drag Me To Vote” gathering in San Francisco.
However, the announcement sparked a quick backlash online, with some questioning whether Chakrabarti, who is known for his past role as chief of staff for the controversial congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, was approaching the campaign with the seriousness it deserves.
One commenter remarked, “What is this about? No one’s forcing you into this. Just focus on making things more affordable, please.”
Another posted: “Nothing like being dragged to back a billionaire when there is another option who is not a billionaire or a billionaire’s bro.
“Vote Connie Chan. Also, why aren’t y’all supporting the woman of color whose running who is also backed by labor? What is your class analysis here?”
And one more added online: “The guy has zero track record in San Francisco. Bad choice, Peaches.”
Chakrabarti will face off against San Francisco City Supervisor Connie Chan and State Senator Scott Wiener in the midterms in June after Pelosi said in November she will step down.
He has faced a backlash over his wealth in a city struggling with a homeless crisis and soaring house prices, as well as his lack of political experience.
Wiener earlier this month called him out for the lack of time he has spent in the city, saying: “My opponent is using his vast personal wealth to try to buy a seat in Congress.
“I’m not worth hundreds of millions like he is, but what I do have is decades of real experience delivering for San Francisco.”
He added on social media: “Being hyper-rich can buy you a lot of things, but it shouldn’t be able to buy you an election.”
Chakrabarti worked in technology in Silicon Valley before pivoting to politics and becoming Ocasio-Cortez’s chief of staff who masterminded her Green New Deal.
He suddenly resigned from her office in 2019 when the feds launched a probe into possible finance misdeeds.
The inquiry centered on two political action committees he founded — Brand New Congress and Justice Democrats — that were meant to support progressive candidates across the country.
It was later reviewed by the FEC and the agency found no wrongdoing and no charges were ever filed.
