A far-left California congressman who boasted “DEI is back!” after sweeping Democrat wins in the midterm elections is being floated as a possible presidential candidate as progressives bask in their Election Day victories.
A new group formed to raise money for Bay Area Rep. Ro Khanna was launched Thursday to begin building support for his potential White House bid, NBC News reported.
Former New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman and progressive strategist Nomiki Konst started the “Run Ro” effort after a shocking blue wave swept races across the US.
“By launching now, we are trying to ensure that the presidential primary debate is framed from a progressive populist perspective,” Konst told NBC.
Khanna welcomed the support while stating that he hasn’t yet made a decision on whether to run.
“I’m honored that people are encouraging me to run on a platform of Medicare for All, ending foreign wars and taxing the billionaires,” he said. “We need America’s Next New Deal.”
The Silicon Valley congressman has proudly embraced his progressive stance, even clashing with potential 2028 presidential candidate Gavin Newsom over the state’s proposed billionaire tax.
That measure, which Khanna repeatedly bashed Newsom for not supporting, appears headed for defeat.
On Election Night, Khanna gloated about the return of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) after election wins by many candidates from minority backgrounds.
“Tonight, DEI is back as America celebrated diversity and inclusion,” he said in a video posted to X.
“Likely three Black governors: the first Latina governor in Texas, the first Muslim American senator, the first gay senator. I love this America tonight,” Khanna added.
The congressman has not been quiet about his presidential aspirations, visiting other states to potentially gauge his national appeal. Khanna traveled to Maine to throw his support behind the now-disgraced former congressional candidate Graham Platner, even after initial allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against him.
In July, Khanna claimed he was detained by armed Israeli settlers during a visit to the West Bank while warning the Israeli military “they made a huge mistake”
In a comment directed at Israel, he even hinted at his White House ambitions.
“Free advice to the Israelis: It’s not a good idea to detain long-shot presidential candidates,” Khanna said. “Not how you’re going to build good will with the next American president, whoever that is.”
