The initiative, led by former Congressman Jamaal Bowman and progressive strategist Nomiki Konst, aims to build support for the Indian American lawmaker as he considers a possible White House run.
Allies of Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna have launched a campaign to encourage him to seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, setting the stage for an early effort to build support for his potential White House bid.
The initiative, called “Run Ro,” was launched on Nov. 5, just two days after the 2026 midterm elections. Former Democratic Congressman Jamaal Bowman of New York and progressive political strategist Nomiki Konst are leading the effort as co-chairs of the draft committee, according to NBC News.
The committee is expected to raise money, organize supporters and build a nationwide network to support a possible Khanna presidential campaign. However, Khanna has not formally announced his candidacy and is not directly involved in the committee’s launch, according to reports.
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Khanna welcomed the initiative but said he would make his decision after discussing it with his family.
“I’m honored that people are encouraging me to run on a platform of Medicare for All, ending foreign wars and taxing the billionaires,” Khanna said in a statement to NBC News.
“We need America’s Next New Deal. Whether I run or support someone else is something I will decide with my family after the holidays,” he added. In an appearance on MS NOW on Nov. 5, Khanna also acknowledged that he was considering a presidential campaign, saying, “Yes, I’m thinking about it.”
Progressive agenda at the center of the campaign
The organizers say the initiative aims to establish a progressive economic agenda early in the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination contest. “By launching now, we are trying to ensure that the presidential primary debate is framed from a progressive populist perspective,” Konst told NBC News.
She said the group wanted to organize early rather than allow more centrist candidates to establish donor networks and political support before the primary campaign begins. Bowman also expressed support for Khanna, saying the country needed a leader willing to advance a different vision for America following the midterm elections.
The organizers have pointed to Khanna’s positions on universal healthcare, taxation of billionaires, artificial intelligence and foreign policy as key elements of his potential presidential platform.
Khanna has also attracted national attention through his bipartisan efforts to secure the release of records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his advocacy concerning the Iran war.
Khanna’s political background
Khanna, 50, represents California’s 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Silicon Valley. He is serving his fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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Born in Philadelphia to an Indian immigrant family, Khanna has built a national profile through his work on technology policy, economic issues and progressive politics.
He previously served as deputy assistant secretary at the Commerce Department during the Obama administration and was a national co-chair of Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign. Khanna has also visited states that traditionally hold early presidential nomination contests, including Iowa and New Hampshire, as he weighs his political future.
His potential candidacy comes as progressive Democrats consider their direction following the November 2026 midterm elections. Other prominent Democrats, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have also been mentioned in discussions about the party’s 2028 presidential field. Khanna’s decision is expected after the holiday season, although he has not announced a specific date for making his intentions public.