Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has left open the possibility of running for the US presidency in 2028, noting that while the decision involves his family, he intends to play a significant role in shaping the national debate over America’s future. In a discussion with former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at the Asia Society, Khanna remarked that roughly 20 Democrats are considering a run, with perhaps 10 to 12 eventually entering a crowded and challenging field. Emphasizing that national campaigns are difficult, he described the upcoming 2028 election as a pivotal choice between embracing a diverse society or turning inward.
Economic Focus, Immigration, and Political Roots:
Khanna stressed that Democrats must present an economic program that actively reaches communities which have lost industrial jobs, arguing that voters must see a viable future for their children before broader appeals to national ideals can succeed. Addressing immigration, he criticized politicians who blame immigrants for factory closures and failed policies, advocating instead for bringing investments and jobs to excluded regions. Reflecting on his personal background, Khanna shared how his grandfather was jailed by the British during Mahatma Gandhi’s independence movement, instilling an early belief in the power of politics. He also recalled his early political beginnings knocking on doors for Barack Obama when he was a student in Chicago.
