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PHOTOS: Thousands Welcome Bernie Sanders to San Francisco in Second Run for President

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Sen. Bernie Sanders waves to the crowd while wearing a San Francisco hat at a presidential campaign rally at Great Meadow Park at Fort Mason in San Francisco on March 24, 2019. (Olivia Obineme/KQED)

Sen. Bernie Sanders held his first public rally in San Francisco on Sunday as part of his second attempt to capture the Democratic nomination for president. Organizers estimate that more than 16,000 people filled Great Meadow Park at Fort Mason to hear the senator from Vermont speak.

Sanders is one of several high-profile candidates making the pilgrimage to California as part of their bids to be the Democratic nominee in 2020. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana, have both dropped in on the Bay Area this month, and Sen. Kamala Harris kicked off her campaign in front of an estimated 20,000 in her hometown of Oakland in January.

The 2020 California primary is expected to play a larger role than in previous elections now that it will take place on "Super Tuesday" in the beginning of March. By the time former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton beat Sanders in California's June 2016 primary, she had already secured the nomination.

Bernie Sanders supporters gathered at Great Meadow Park for Sanders first public rally in San Francisco as part of his 2020 presidential campaign.
Bernie Sanders supporters gathered at Great Meadow Park for Sanders' first public rally in San Francisco as part of his 2020 presidential campaign. (Olivia Obineme/KQED)
Oakland-based soul band Tony! Toni! Toné! performs at the Bernie Sanders rally.
Oakland-based soul band Tony! Toni! Toné! performs at the Bernie Sanders rally. (Olivia Obineme/KQED)
Shawn Sunshine Strickland, who calls herself the Super Girl of San Francisco, says she wants to see a Democratic ticket of Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders.
Shawn Sunshine Strickland, who calls herself the Super Girl of San Francisco, says she wants to see a Democratic ticket of Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders. (Olivia Obineme/KQED)
Organizers estimated that more than 16,000 people attended rally on Sunday.
Organizers estimated that more than 16,000 people attended the Bernie Sanders rally on Sunday. (Olivia Obineme/KQED)
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Fremont, says Sanders' campaign is 'about freedom, it’s about dignity, and it’s about 21st century patriotism.' Khanna is a top adviser for Sanders' presidential campaign.
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Fremont, says Sanders' campaign is 'about freedom, it’s about dignity, and it’s about 21st century patriotism.' Khanna is a top adviser for Sanders' presidential campaign. (Olivia Obineme/KQED)
Rallygoers held up signs declaring support for Sanders from immigrants, the LGBT community and other key Democratic constituencies.
Rallygoers held up signs declaring support for Sanders from immigrants, the LGBT community and other key Democratic constituencies. (Olivia Obineme/KQED)
Ena Silva said she worked late last night on crafting her Bernie Sanders buttons and butterfly, flower antennas on her late grandfather’s hat.
Ena Silva said she worked late into the night on crafting her Bernie Sanders buttons and butterfly and flower antennas on her late grandfather’s hat. (Olivia Obineme/KQED)
Sanders is one of numerous high-profile candidates running for the Democratic nomination including fellow U.S. Sens. Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar and Kirsten Gillibrand.
Sanders is one of numerous high-profile candidates running for the Democratic nomination, including fellow U.S. Sens. Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar and Kirsten Gillibrand. (Olivia Obineme/KQED)

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