A massive crowd in conservative Folsom, California, greeted Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, signaling a potential political shift in traditionally Republican strongholds.
At a Glance
- Approximately 26,000 attendees at Folsom Lake College rally
- Event marked rare progressive turnout in conservative area
- GOP leaders dismissed rally as fringe left-wing spectacle
- Event part of nationwide “Fighting Oligarchy” tour
- Momentum builds ahead of 2026 midterm elections
Progressive Tour Draws Record Numbers
In a stunning show of political momentum, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders packed Folsom Lake College with a crowd estimated between 26,000 and 30,000 attendees. The rally, part of their national “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, landed in a district long known for its Republican loyalty—making the turnout all the more significant.
The event drew widespread coverage, with video and eyewitness accounts highlighting packed walkways, cheering crowds, and a powerful emphasis on wealth inequality and corporate power. As noted in a report by CBS Sacramento, attendees came from across the region, many of whom had never before participated in a political event.
Watch ABC10’s full coverage at Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rally draws massive crowd in Folsom.
Hometown Pushback, National Ripples
Despite the excitement, the rally received harsh critiques from local Republican leaders. Representative Kevin Kiley dismissed the crowd’s enthusiasm as representative of a “far, far left radical element,” stating that most residents “believe in balance” and “want to protect the quality of life that we have,” according to remarks published during the event.
Assemblyman James Gallagher echoed that sentiment, claiming the state’s adoption of progressive policies has led to “the highest cost of living, the most poverty, the most homeless, second highest gas prices, [and] housing costs soaring out of sight.” He used the moment to question the rally’s message and its resonance with Californians already grappling with economic strain.
Still, for attendees like Jazmin Davis, the rally provided a much-needed sense of unity and hope. “The world is falling apart, but Bernie gives all of us hope,” she told reporters in an interview quoted by Feedpress. “It’s really exciting to be around people who feel the same way as we do.”
Momentum Heading into Midterms
With the 2026 midterms approaching, the success of events like Folsom’s suggests that progressives are gaining ground in places where Democratic candidates have historically struggled. Organizers view the tour not just as a campaign tool but as a reframing of what’s politically possible in so-called red districts.
Speakers hammered themes including opposition to tax breaks for billionaires, support for universal health care, and urgent climate action. The messaging resonated widely, with crowds in Folsom rivaling those seen in recent progressive rallies in Coachella and Los Angeles.
Additional footage, such as “LIVE | Bernie Sanders And AOC Draw Huge Crowds In California Rally”, captures the scale and enthusiasm of the event. As Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez continue their national push, their Folsom stop may be remembered as a pivotal moment for a resurgent left-wing movement challenging the status quo in American politics.
