Congressman Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) is reportedly gearing up for a presidential run in 2028, aided by former President Joe Biden’s chief of staff. He has also collaborated with New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani and California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra on their campaigns.
Sources familiar with the situation indicated in Politico’s playbook that Khanna caught the attention of Ron Klain, a lawyer known for his role as the White House Ebola response coordinator under former President Barack Obama.
Klain, who was appointed Biden’s chief of staff after serving as a senior adviser during the 2020 campaign, is currently the chief legal officer at Airbnb. He is reportedly using his personal time to advise Khanna as he plans for a potential run in 2028.
Khanna mentioned that he spoke with activist Reverend Al Sharpton at a National Action Network conference in April. He said he’d “consider” a run after the midterms in November.
Recently, progressive lawmakers have been actively championing various causes. For instance, Khanna criticized Republican policies, particularly regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Klain has been viewed as a representative of the further left wing of the Democratic Party, pushing for more influence within the Biden administration. He has emphasized the importance of incorporating progressive voices into the decision-making process.
In 2022, the narrative shifted, with many progressives, previously skeptical of Biden, rallying around Klain, as reported by Politico.
The latest updates indicate that Biden’s political activities since exiting office are more extensive than previously thought.
Klain has been involved with Mamdani’s campaign and has also provided general guidance to other political figures, including New York Congressman Jack Schlossberg, who is the grandson of President John F. Kennedy.
Additionally, he has been known to support candidates like Xavier Becerra and Ed Markey in their re-election efforts.
As preparations for the debate involving Maine Governor Janet Mills loomed, Klain also offered to help Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner.
There’s a suggestion that Khanna is close to this circle of political allies.
Klain has chosen to decline interviews, expressing a desire to keep his political involvement more understated.
Olivia Rondeau is a political reporter for Breitbart News based in Washington, DC.
