Thousands of San Diegans Attend Rally to Support Bernie Sanders

Thousands of supporters packed the San Diego Convention Center Tuesday evening to attend a Bernie Sanders rally. 

The Democratic Presidential Candidate stopped in San Diego for the rally more than two months ahead of the California primary in June.

"When we began this campaign we talked about a need for millions of people to become involved in the political process," Sanders told supporters. "Tonight in Utah, tonight in Idaho, and tonight in Arizona there are record-breaking turnouts."

Sanders stressed the importance of reform in the criminal justice system and defeating ISIS, among other issues.

He said his campaign listened to the concerns of youths, military veterans and the elderly. 

"We were considered a fringe candidacy. Now who, who in America, the media said, could believe in a political revolution? Now, 10 months later, we have now won 10 primaries and caucuses, and unless I'm very mistaken we're going to win a couple of more tonight," Sanders said to cheers at the rally.

Actress Rosario Dawson introduced the Senator, saying the candidate had bold leadership needed in the White House. 

Thousands lined up along the side of the Convention Center -- some decked out in "Feel the Bern" shirts -- to grab a spot at the rally. Some Donald Trump supporters showed up to rally wearing shirts and holding signs to protest the rally. 

Campaign officials added a second overflow room with audio and video of the event, the convention center said. The room was filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Earlier Tuesday, dozens of Bernie Sanders supporters marched through the streets of downtown San Diego.

Sanders currently trails former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the delegate count.

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story stated the Convention Center was turning people away. Campaign officials added an overflow room. 

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