Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has kept open the possibility of seeking the US presidency in 2028, saying any decision about entering the race would be made with his family. Speaking during a conversation with former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at the Asia Society, Khanna said he intends to remain actively involved in the national discussion about America’s future regardless of whether he becomes a candidate.
Rudd directly asked Khanna about reports that he was considering a presidential campaign. Khanna responded that roughly 20 Democrats were weighing a possible run, while perhaps 10 to 12 could ultimately enter the contest. He described his own decision as a family matter and said that, whether he chooses to campaign himself or support another candidate, he expects to play a significant role in the political debate surrounding the 2028 election.
A major theme of Khanna’s remarks was the economic situation of communities that have experienced the loss of industrial employment. He argued that Democrats would need an economic agenda capable of addressing those concerns and giving families a clearer sense of opportunity for themselves and their children. In his view, broader arguments about American ideals would have greater resonance when accompanied by tangible economic opportunities.
Khanna also connected economic insecurity to the national immigration debate. He said immigrants had sometimes been blamed for factory closures and economic difficulties, while arguing that policymakers should instead focus on bringing investment and employment to communities that have not benefited equally from changes in the US economy.
The California congressman also discussed how his family background influenced his political outlook. Khanna said his grandfather was imprisoned by British authorities during the 1930s and 1940s because of his participation in Mahatma Gandhi’s independence movement. Born in Philadelphia to Indian immigrant parents, Khanna has previously spoken about how his family history shaped his understanding of political activism. He also recalled campaigning as a student in Chicago for a state Senate candidate who later became President Barack Obama.
Technology and foreign policy were also part of his conversation with Rudd. Khanna discussed the role workers should have in decisions involving artificial intelligence and called for economic opportunities to reach communities across the country. He also addressed US-China relations and the importance of rebuilding international confidence in American foreign policy. Recent remarks by Khanna have likewise focused on international cooperation over AI safety.
Khanna represents California’s 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Silicon Valley. His latest comments come as several Democrats are publicly considering or positioning themselves around the 2028 presidential race, although Khanna has not formally announced a campaign.
