A group of high-profile progressive allies has launched a formal effort to draft Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) into the 2028 presidential race, according to an NBC News report. The newly formed “Run Ro” committee, co-chaired by former Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) and strategist Nomiki Konst, aims to build early donor networks and political support for the California Democrat.
Progressive Populism vs. Centrist Early Moves
“By launching now, we are trying to ensure that the presidential primary debate is framed from a progressive populist perspective,” Konst told NBC, signaling a strategic push to counter traditionally early-organizing centrist candidates. The move comes just days after Democrats regained control of both chambers of Congress in the midterms.
Khanna, who co-chaired Bernie Sanders’ 2020 campaign, has been testing the waters with trips to early primary states and high-profile bipartisan work on Epstein files and foreign policy. “I’m honored that people are encouraging me to run on a platform of Medicare for All, ending foreign wars and taxing the billionaires,” Khanna said, while stopping short of a commitment. “Whether I run or support someone else is something I will decide with my family after the holidays.”
The Progressive Field Takes Shape
The effort places Khanna in a potential 2028 field that could include fellow Squad member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who hasn’t announced her plans. “She is my sister, and I love her,” Bowman said of AOC, “but Ro Khanna has shown the work ethic, the humility and the vision that we need in this moment.”
Khanna has openly framed his potential run around economic populism, telling Fox Business in August: “I understand the future economy, and I see that it’s only working for a few.” When asked about Ocasio-Cortez’s plans affecting his decision, he dismissed the idea: “I don’t think that has any bearing.”
Midterm Momentum
The draft campaign launches as Khanna celebrates Democratic midterm wins he ties to diversity and inclusion, namechecking historic firsts like Texas’ likely first Latina governor and the first Muslim-American senator. “Tonight, DEI is back as America celebrated diversity and inclusion,” he declared on election night.
With the 2028 field still wide open, the “Run Ro” effort marks an unusually early organizing push from the progressive wing – one that could force an earlier definition of the Democratic Party’s post-Biden direction.
Source: www.breitbart.com โ https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/11/05/report-ro-khanna-allies-launch-2028-presidential-draft-campaign/