In the wake of a disappointing performance by Democrats in the 2024 election, California Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna is reflecting on the defeat and criticizing his own party. Khanna believes that a strong focus on political reform, particularly combating corruption, should be the key agenda for Democrats in the upcoming 2026 election. He points out the lack of emphasis on reform in the campaigns of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, noting that this allowed Trump to seize the outsider narrative. Khanna is introducing the Drain The Swamp Act to prevent White House officials from accepting gifts from lobbyists, reinstating ethics and lobbying rules established during the Biden administration. He emphasizes that anti-corruption must be central to rebuilding the Democratic brand and suggests a five-point agenda including banning former members of Congress from lobbying, implementing term limits for Congress and Supreme Court justices, and establishing a binding code of ethics for justices. Khanna stresses the importance of addressing political corruption to regain public trust and unity within the Democratic Party.
With potential political aspirations on the horizon, Ro Khanna is strategically keeping his future plans under wraps while staying open to various opportunities. His spokesperson, Sarah Drory, emphasized the importance of anti-corruption and economic patriotism as key themes for the Democratic Party leading up to the 2026 and 2028 elections, regardless of who emerges as leaders. Despite facing scrutiny, Khanna’s political influence is on the rise as he engages with voters and carefully considers his next steps, even engaging with Republican audiences and districts. Following a recent address by President Trump, Khanna criticized Democratic behavior and stressed the importance of focusing on key policy issues like Medicaid cuts rather than internal distractions. Khanna’s upcoming “Benefits Over Billionaires” tour will highlight his anti-corruption agenda and progressive values in GOP-held districts, as he aims to convey a clear message of saving vital programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
