In a significant move for the 2028 presidential race, a new draft committee has been established to encourage Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., to run for the highest office in the land. The initiative, dubbed “Run Ro,” is co-chaired by former Rep. Jamaal Bowman and progressive strategist Nomiki Konst, allowing the group to raise funds and build support ahead of Khanna’s potential candidacy.
The timing of this committee aligns with a recent midterm election that saw a resurgence of Democratic power in both the House and Senate, with a notable number of progressive candidates emerging victorious. This momentum has sparked a desire among party progressives to identify a new leader who can effectively champion their causes, reminiscent of the campaign strategies used by Sen. Bernie Sanders in previous elections.
Konst emphasized the importance of early organization, stating, “By launching now, we are trying to ensure that the presidential primary debate is framed from a progressive populist perspective.” She believes that centrist factions traditionally secure their positions early, and thus, the progressive wing must mobilize quickly to gather the necessary support.
Despite Khanna’s impressive reputation as a fifth-term congressman advocating for issues such as Medicare for All and the ending of foreign conflicts, his path to the presidency is not without hurdles. Historically, only James Garfield has transitioned directly from the House to the presidency, which highlights the challenges Khanna may face.
Khanna, who previously co-chaired Sanders’ 2020 campaign, has garnered a considerable following among progressives nationally. His recent travels to key primary states have not gone unnoticed, as many political insiders speculate about his intentions for a presidential run. He has openly expressed gratitude for the draft committee’s support, acknowledging the need for an agenda focused on progressive reforms.
As the landscape for the 2028 Democratic nomination continues to evolve, the race remains wide open, with potential candidates still weighing their options. Khanna has indicated that he will finalize his decision after discussing it with his family post-holidays, leaving the door open for an exciting and competitive election cycle ahead.
Photo credit: Jason Henry
