Representative Ro Khanna of California has campaigned for more than 70 left-wing candidates in the 2026 midterms, positioning himself as a leading surrogate for the progressive movement. His efforts aim to harness deep discontent with the Democratic establishment and build momentum for a potential 2028 presidential run. Khanna has engaged directly with working-class voters, including farmers in Sharpsville, Pa., who criticized Democratic inauthenticity.

He emphasized the need for the party to reconnect with blue-collar Americans and reject corporate influence. Born outside Philadelphia to Indian immigrants, Khanna has taken visible steps toward a national campaign, including town halls with Latino voters in Nevada, a searing DNC speech denouncing military aid to Israel and corporate interests, and international trips to the Vatican and the West Bank, where he was detained by armed Israeli settlers. He has endorsed figures like Jim Clyburn and Abdul El-Sayed, though expressed regret over backing Graham Platner, who withdrew amid rape allegations.

Despite progressive primary wins, a New York Times/Siena poll shows most voters dislike socialism, underscoring Khanna’s belief that the left must improve its messaging to working-class audiences. Icons like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez remain more selective in endorsements, highlighting Khanna’s need to raise his own profile amid a crowded progressive field.