Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) made clear on Sunday that a potential 2028 presidential bid by fellow progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) would not alter his own calculus about entering the race.
Asked by CNN's Dana Bash on State of the Union whether he would still run if Ocasio-Cortez threw her hat in the ring, Khanna responded: "It will have no bearing on my decision. Obviously, she's extraordinary. But my vision is an economic vision."
Khanna, who represents a Silicon Valley district that holds roughly $20 trillion in wealth—home to five companies each valued at over a trillion dollars—contrasted that prosperity with his upbringing in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. "This economy of the future isn't working for them," he said, referring to communities like the one where he grew up.
He outlined what he called "economic patriotism," a framework aimed at building a future economy that serves people in deindustrialized regions and the Black South. "I have a vision that calls for having the greatest economic mission in generations," Khanna added.
The comments come as speculation about the 2028 Democratic field intensifies, with both Khanna and Ocasio-Cortez frequently mentioned among potential contenders. Their possible bids would follow a string of progressive primary victories this year, from New York to Colorado, signaling a leftward shift in the party's base.
But that momentum has also sparked resistance from more moderate Democrats, particularly over issues like democratic socialist policies and the party's stance on Israel. The tension reflects a broader ideological struggle as the party looks ahead to the next presidential cycle.
Not everyone is eager to join the speculation. Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), another name often floated for 2028, recently poured cold water on the idea. "I have zero interest in running for president in 2028, and, frankly, zero interest in the 2028 fantasy football right now," Ossoff told MSNBC's Jen Psaki.
Khanna's insistence on his independent path suggests that the progressive wing may see multiple candidates in the primary, potentially splitting the vote and shaping the debate around economic populism. As communities push back on data centers and other tech-driven developments, Khanna's message could resonate with voters who feel left behind by the modern economy.
Meanwhile, the GOP's internal battles over data centers and other issues highlight the volatile political landscape. For now, Khanna remains focused on his own vision, regardless of what his progressive colleagues decide.
