Over the last decade, the Democratic Party has struggled to find a clear brand post-Obama. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is currently the closest thing the party has to a recognizable face. But Schumer has been facing some of the lowest favorability among Democrats, with only a 30% approval rating in 2026.
In this leadership drought, a long list of names have emerged as the party’s future. Figures like Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are frequently mentioned as potential 2028 presidential candidates. Another name being floated is Ro Khanna, the U.S. representative for California’s 17th congressional district. From Khanna’s efforts to release the Epstein files to his ideas to improve the cost of living, his drive resonates with many and positions him well for a potential spot on the upcoming presidential ticket.
Khanna is currently on his “Students for Solidarity” tour and made a stop at the University of Nevada, Reno alongside former CNN anchor Don Lemon on Oct. 23. The tour is going across the country to spread Khanna’s message and uplift youth voices. During his visit, he was met with much support as passionate locals came to hear him speak.
When asked about why he is traveling outside of his own constituency to places like Nevada, Khanna gave a clear response: “I’m here to help get the vote out.” His strategy is very much people-first. Some of his goals are to make sure all people can access public college, promote public safety, fight climate change and promote ‘Silicon Valley success’ across the country.
By visiting a battleground state and engaging directly with voters, Khanna reached people who may be unfamiliar with his work.
The Democratic Party struggled after the 2024 election; beyond the major loss to now-President Trump, the Senate and House also gained a conservative majority. This gave Republicans a slim but impactful advantage alongside a conservative-leaning Supreme Court.
Early in the Trump administration, Khanna brought momentum to the Democratic Party by holding Trump accountable for releasing the Epstein files, which Trump claimed he would declassify. Khanna built a coalition of congressmembers to push the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
“A lot of people credit Thomas Massie and me for the Epstein files,” Khanna said. “The real heroes are the survivors.”
The movement to release the Epstein files has become incredibly widespread and prompted conversations worldwide about sex trafficking. It became the central example of how the billionaire class can use unimaginable power for evil.
The files should be and need to be released, and not in the way they are now. With current redactions covering the names of the abusers and outing the identities of victims in many cases, Khanna’s job is not done yet. He is currently trying to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act II.
427 members of the House voted to release the files in Act I, with a single dissenting vote. Because of this, it is safe to say that Khanna is capable of leading a movement popular across political lines, and more importantly, popular with the people. Khanna’s proven ability and appeal will position him well if he decides to run for president. This kind of spearheading is what the Democratic Party needs after being under fire for its unproductive nature.
“If you want to be a part of the Congress or the Senate, you’ve got to have the guts to stand up to people and know that it’s going to come with consequences,” Khanna said.
Khanna is proven to have the guts to go toe-to-toe against the most powerful in the country, but he has also naturally faced criticism. The National Republican Congressional Committee has long labeled him a far-left extremist, and the recent rise of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) movement has only intensified scrutiny around his platform. Although Khanna is not endorsed by the DSA, some of his views are aligned with the movement. The Democratic Party is struggling with how to move forward with the boom of candidates identifying as Democratic-Socialists. Many of the more moderate Democrats serving in the House say these DSA members are a liability, and that they should not represent the party.
Khanna is aligned with the left wing of his party, a wing that features New York mayor Zhoran Mamdani and Michigan Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. Beyond their shared positions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), these political firebrands also align with Khanna on healthcare, an issue that continues to be at the forefront of Americans’ minds. In a country with rising costs across the board, a doctor’s or dentist’s appointment can run hundreds of dollars or more. This leads people to skip visits they need in order to save money.
“Medicare for all has to be top priority; it’s a human right to have healthcare. Healthcare is first because life is first,” Khanna said. “We need to fight to get that vote through the House, through the Senate, and have a progressive president who is going to push it. We are in a fight to deliver healthcare to the American people.”
The push for universal healthcare is certainly not a new thing. The idea was first referenced by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1912, and as of this year, 66% of Americans approve of some type of universal healthcare. Universal healthcare is overwhelmingly favored by most Democrats, but it is also popular with 41% of Republicans. That percentage has doubled since 2020. With this rapid growth, Republicans may get on board with a Medicare for All agenda.
Khanna is situated uniquely as a self-proclaimed “progressive capitalist”. He strikes a balance between wanting more American production in order to grow the economy while also supporting a billionaire tax. That balance is what the Democratic Party needs to promote if it hopes to get united support for a presidential candidate.
It’s obvious why Khanna is so popular in his home district and why that popularity is growing nationwide. Khanna speaks with a deep understanding of almost every issue and is clear on the steps he wants the country to take. When responding to questions, he leads with passion and communicates in a way that is incredibly easy to understand. Khanna can break down rather complicated issues and give the context and solutions he has for them with ease.
While Khanna might not be setting his immediate sights on a presidential run, it’s not impossible. He may fare well now, even against more established politicians, due to his overall attitude and impressive track record. If he continues his momentum from this term into the next, his appeal can only increase. The members of the Democratic Party should be eyeing him and his work as they set their sights on 2028.
It’s time to empower the new generation of Democrats, and that starts with promoting the leaders who have already been putting in the work to empower the people.
