USA (Commonwealth Union)_ The race for the 2028 US presidential election is beginning to take shape, even though no candidate has officially entered the contest. Among the names attracting attention is Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna, whose supporters have launched an organised campaign urging him to run for the White House. The campaign, called ‘Run Ro’, was launched following the Democratic Party’s strong performance in the recent US midterm elections. Accordingly, the initiative is being spearheaded by former Congressman Jamaal Bowman and progressive political strategist Nomiki Konst. Their aim is to raise funds, build a nationwide support network and encourage Khanna to consider a presidential bid.
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According to reports, the group believes Khanna could offer Democrats a strong progressive alternative in 2028. Konst said the campaign was launched well in advance to ensure that issues affecting ordinary Americans remain central to the presidential debate. Khanna welcomed the support but has not yet decided to enter the race. He said he was honoured that people wanted him to run on issues such as universal healthcare, higher taxes on billionaires and ending American involvement in foreign wars. However, he plans to discuss the possibility with his family after the holiday season before making his final decision.
The California congressman has emerged as a notable figure within the Democratic Party for several reasons. He previously served as a co-chair of Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign and has since established a strong following among progressive voters. His political positions include expanding healthcare access, reducing economic inequality and changing America’s approach to overseas conflicts. Khanna represents California’s 17th Congressional District, which covers parts of Silicon Valley. Born in Philadelphia in 1976 to Indian immigrant parents, he earned an economics degree from the University of Chicago before obtaining his law degree from Yale University. He subsequently served in the Obama administration as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Khanna’s Indian roots are also an important part of his public background. His grandfather, Amarnath Vidyalanker, took part in India’s freedom movement and was imprisoned for opposing British rule. Khanna lives in Fremont, California, with his wife, Ritu, and their two children. His supporters have also pointed to his work on issues that have attracted attention beyond party lines, including efforts to secure the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. He has also spoken about ending the war in Iran. In recent months, his visits to states that hold early presidential nomination contests have added to speculation about his national ambitions.
But winning the Democratic nomination and becoming president ultimately will be a major challenge. Khanna would face a slew of seasoned politicians, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Senators Raphael Warnock, Ruben Gallego and Chris Murphy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also been floated as a potential Republican contender. But he has dismissed reports that he plans to leave the Trump administration to prepare for the election, saying that completing his work under President Donald Trump remains his plan.
For Khanna, the immediate challenge is to turn his supporters’ enthusiasm into broader national backing. His progressive message may appeal to younger voters and those seeking economic reforms, but he will need support across different sections of the Democratic Party. Whether he eventually enters the race remains uncertain. Still, the ‘Run Ro’ campaign has placed the Indian-American lawmaker in the early conversation about America’s next president. If he decides to run, his campaign could become a significant moment for Indian-American representation in US politics.
