Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna of California was asked if he’s considering or ruling out running for president in 2028 in a sit-down with civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton on Wednesday.
During a “fireside chat” at Sharpton’s National Action Network Convention in New York City, Khanna pointed to a “comprehensive economic vision” and commitment to a “multiracial democracy” as two reasons he could run.
Why It Matters
Early positioning by potential candidates has carried added weight, as polling since 2025 suggested close hypothetical contests between Republican Vice President JD Vance and prominent Democrats while highlighting uncertainty within both parties.
Within the Democratic field, surveys in 2026 showed former Vice President Kamala Harris leading prospective primary voters overall in many polls, with California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also drawing measurable support along with New York U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The polling underscores a competitive environment that potential hopefuls like Khanna would need to navigate.
What To Know
During the conversation, Sharpton asked about a potential 2028 run, saying, “would you consider it and are you ruling it out?“
Khanna replied, “I believe I offer two things for why I will consider it, to America. One is I represent the economic future, and I have a clear road map of how we’re going to make sure every part of this country has an economic stake in the future, whether that is workers having equity, whether it is the Black South being part of the AI revolution, whether it is making sure that families actually have economic independence with health care and child care. I have a comprehensive economic vision, and I believe that people need an economic vision.“
“Secondly,” Khanna continued, “I fundamentally believe, because of my grandfather, that we need to move beyond a colonial model of the world, that have this incredible moment because of people like you, Reverend Sharpton, my generation. We have this moment to finally see what Frederick Douglass prophesied in 1869 in Composite Nation. You know, Douglass, 20 years after being enslaved, he didn’t speak out first for just Black Americans.”
The California lawmaker added, “He said, Chinese Americans. Chinese have the right to come to America, because in the free era of America, the best traditions will survive, and the worst will be discarded. And America will become a composite nation, a nation of all nations, a nation of people with people of all backgrounds. I see that in the energy in our nation with young people. And I believe a multiracial America will finally be just not only here, but just around the world. And that calling of understanding the economy and wanting to see a cohesive multiracial democracy says, maybe I have something to offer and contribute with humility to our nation at this moment.”
Khanna has made headlines recently amid his co-sponsoring of the Epstein Files Transparency Act alongside Republican Thomas Massie. Khanna has repeatedly called out the Trump administration over its handling of the investigation into sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
What People Are Saying
Former Ohio State Senator Nina Turner, a Democrat, on X Wednesday in response to the C-SPAN video of Khanna: “Let him cook.” The post also included a fire emoji.
Khanna, on X in late January: “The silence from many media-hyped 2028 contenders today is shocking. If you cannot oppose this regime change war for oil, you don’t have the moral clarity or guts to lead our party or nation.”
Former adviser to George W. Bush, Scott Jennings, on X in February: “We need to unite as Americans and will this into existence. Kamala Harris 2028.” He also added a laughing face emoji to the post.
What Happens Next
Potential candidates typically throw their name into the race after the midterm elections.
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