Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna wins a sixth term in California, defeating Republican challenger Ritesh Tandon
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna has secured another term representing California’s 17th Congressional District, strengthening his position as a prominent Indian American voice in Congress after Tuesday’s 2026 midterm elections.
Khanna defeated Republican challenger Ritesh Tandon, an Indian American entrepreneur, by more than 42,000 votes, according to the results provided. The contest carried an added dimension because both candidates have Indian roots, putting two Indian American politicians on opposite sides of the race in the heart of Silicon Valley.
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Khanna, who has represented the district for five terms, will now serve a sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. His district covers parts of Silicon Valley, a region central to America’s technology industry and home to some of the country’s wealthiest entrepreneurs.
The re-election victory comes as Khanna continues to push for policies aimed at reducing economic inequality. Despite representing one of the wealthiest technology hubs in the world, he has repeatedly highlighted the financial pressures facing working-class residents. He has called for a one-time 5% wealth tax on California residents with a net worth exceeding $1 billion, arguing that the wealthiest should contribute more to address economic disparities.
Khanna has built a political identity that combines progressive economic policies with support for entrepreneurship, technology and American manufacturing. His positions include universal healthcare, higher taxes on the wealthy and policies associated with Senator Bernie Sanders’ progressive movement. At the same time, he has maintained connections with Silicon Valley’s technology leaders, placing him at the intersection of two often competing political priorities.
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His views on U.S. foreign policy have also become more pronounced. Amid growing calls among progressives to reconsider American military assistance to Israel, Khanna released a video calling for an end to U.S. aid and military sales to the country.
Beyond his congressional career, Khanna has also signaled that he is seriously considering a presidential run in 2028. Another term in the House could give him a larger platform to advance his economic and foreign policy positions as Democrats debate the party’s future direction.
Born in Philadelphia to Punjabi immigrant parents, Khanna is a second-generation Indian American Democrat. A lawyer by profession, he previously served in the Commerce Department during President Barack Obama’s administration before entering Congress.
His re-election adds to the visibility of Indian Americans in national politics, as candidates from the community compete for congressional seats and other elected offices across the country. With his continued presence in Washington and possible presidential ambitions, Khanna remains a figure to watch in the evolving political landscape.