Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) has maintained that he remains open to a potential presidential bid in the 2028 election cycle, according to recent remarks at a National Action Network event in New York City.
During discussions with Rev. Al Sharpton, who hosted the gathering—a key forum for Democratic contenders—Khanna acknowledged questions about his future presidential ambitions. “There are those who have raised the prospect that you should run for president,” Sharpton stated. Khanna responded with a joke: “You’re going to be my running mate?”
The California Democrat emphasized his focus on economic policy as a primary qualification for any presidential race. “I represent the economic future, and I have a clear roadmap for how we’re going to make sure every part of this country has an economic stake in the future,” he said. Khanna detailed his vision, including workers’ equity, expanding Black participation in the AI revolution, and ensuring family economic independence through healthcare and child care access.
He also referenced his heritage as a foundation for his foreign policy outlook: “I fundamentally believe, because of my grandfather, that we need to move beyond the colonial model of the world.”
Khanna joins other Democratic figures reportedly considering a 2028 run, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) and Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) also signaled interest in the race during recent events. Nearly all attendees at Sharpton’s gathering—featuring leaders like former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker—have either expressed or left the door open for a presidential campaign.
The National Action Network event, dedicated to civil rights advocacy, has become a focal point for potential Democratic candidates seeking to align with Black voters ahead of the 2028 election.
