As Democratic stars come to Bakersfield, local Republicans rally their own

With progressive stars Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slated to make an appearance in Bakersfield on Tuesday, local Republicans plan to hold their own rally across the street.
"Our purpose is clear: We are here to peacefully protest against tyranny and defend the principles that make Kern County great," a social media post from the Bakersfield Republican Women, Federated said.
Billed as a "Welcome to Bakersfield Block Party," the event's flyer shows a crowd of supporters of President Donald Trump, many of them wearing the signature red "Make American Great Again" hats and a slogan that reads "Let them know this is MAGA country."
"Our goal is to be a strong opposition to socialist ideology, all while fostering a spirit of respect and dialogue," Bakersfield Republican Women, Federated said. "Together, we will make our voices heard without succumbing to provocation. Let's stay focused and outsmart those who wish to undermine our freedoms!"
The Republican rally runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Truxtun Avenue and N Street, across from the Dignity Health Arena where doors open for the Sanders event at 10:30 a.m.
Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are the latest in a series of visits to Bakersfield by out-of-town Democrats.
But where past visits specifically targeted the highly competitive 22nd Congressional District currently held by Republican David Valadao of Hanford, Tuesday's visit is part of a nationwide blitz of rallies by Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez.
Bakersfield has seen several large demonstrations against the Trump administration, particularly with regard to its policies around immigration, but the city and Kern County are Republican-dominated.
Trump received 53% of Kern County's vote in 2016 and 2020, but in 2024 his share of the vote shot up to 59%.
Sanders, a Vermont Independent, previously visited Bakersfield in 2016 and 2020 as part of his Democratic presidential campaign. Tuesday will be the first time visiting the city for New York Democrat Ocasio-Cortez.

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