Ro Khanna Testing Leadership Waters For…Senate? Democratic Party?

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – During a recent visit to Yale Law School, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) sparked a lively political discussion by casually asking a group of students to name their favorite Democrats — a question that seemed to serve as an informal litmus test for the party’s emerging voices.

According to NBC News, Khanna made the visit on April 15 as part of a broader effort to raise his national profile and critique prominent figures such as Vice President JD Vance, whom he sharply criticized in his remarks. What began as light political banter quickly evolved into a revealing conversation about the Democratic Party’s future — one that Khanna may be quietly positioning himself to help shape.

While Khanna didn’t play his hand on any future political plans, his line of questioning strongly hinted at a deeper curiosity about his place in the party’s evolving landscape — whether that means a run for the Senate, the Democratic leadership, or even higher office.

At 48, Khanna sees himself as part of that next generation, NBC reported, citing his national travels to promote themes like “economic patriotism” and “pro-growth progressivism.” Despite his work as co-chair of Bernie Sanders’ 2020 campaign, Khanna remains relatively unknown outside Washington and his Silicon Valley district.

NBC reported that Khanna welcomed a broad field of potential 2028 contenders. “We need 10, 15, even 20 new voices in the lead-up to 2028,” he said. “The Democratic Party became stale — the same personalities, same talking points, same consultants. I’m excited by the new energy I’m seeing.”

Still, he acknowledged the steep road ahead for outsiders. “I was a co-chair of Bernie’s campaign — I know what it means to challenge the establishment,” Khanna said. “But that’s exactly what our party needs right now: fresh ideas and people willing to push boundaries.”

Asked whether he supports Vice President Kamala Harris running for president in 2028, Khanna gave a measured response. He suggested she could be a strong contender for governor of California, adding to NBC, “If she believes she’s the best person to lead the country, then she should absolutely run. But that’s a deeply personal decision.”