Progressive allies of Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) have formed a 2028 presidential draft committee to build support for a potential White House run. The group, called 'Run Ro', is led by former Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) and progressive strategist Nomiki Konst, who announced the initiative this week.
The committee’s formation follows Democratic gains in the 2024 midterms, where the party secured control of the House and Senate. Supporters argue the move ensures a progressive populist voice in the 2028 primary, a lane previously held by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in prior cycles. Nomiki Konst stated the effort aims to frame the debate from a progressive perspective.
Khanna, a fifth-term lawmaker, has not formally declared a presidential bid but has repeatedly indicated he is seriously considering a run. He has toured early primary states and engaged in bipartisan initiatives, including efforts to release the Jeffrey Epstein files and end the war in Iran.
The draft committee can raise funds and organize support while Khanna evaluates his options. Bowman emphasized Khanna’s work ethic and vision, calling him a preferred progressive standard-bearer over other potential candidates, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who has not yet announced her plans.
Khanna previously served as a co-chair of Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign and remains a favorite among progressive activists. His potential candidacy would face significant hurdles, as only one House member—James Garfield in 1880—has ever won the presidency directly from Congress.
The 'Run Ro' committee’s launch reflects broader Democratic efforts to identify a successor to President Donald Trump, whose potential 2028 bid looms over the party’s strategy.