Tech Entrepreneur Ritesh Tandon Joins Race For Ro Khanna’s CA-17 Seat

India-West News Desk

SAN JOSE, CA– Entrepreneur and technology executive Ritesh Tandon has entered the race for California’s 17th Congressional District, adding to a growing field of candidates seeking the Silicon Valley seat currently held by Rep. Ro Khanna.

Tandon announced his campaign with a video outlining his priorities for the district, which includes Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Milpitas, and parts of San Jose and Fremont. The bid marks his fourth attempt to win the seat.

“For 26 years, I’ve lived and volunteered in the Bay Area working for our families, small businesses and community,” Tandon said in the campaign video announcing his candidacy.

It is the Republican’s fourth run for congress.

His campaign centers on addressing rising living costs, particularly housing, health care, education, and everyday household expenses.

Tandon joins a field that already includes another tech entrepreneur, Ethan Agarwal.

In addition to affordability, Tandon has proposed lowering taxes, easing regulations, and expanding education programs focused on artificial intelligence.

“I believe in an America First policy—lower taxes, less red tape, more innovation and AI education in schools and colleges so our children lead the future,” Tandon said in the campaign video.

On immigration, Tandon said he supports stronger border security while maintaining legal pathways for migrants.

A Bay Area resident for more than two decades, Tandon previously served as a research fellow at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. He holds a master’s degree in computer engineering and an MBA from Santa Clara University.