Washington, August 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has outlined an economic agenda centred on workers, reindustrialisation and ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits communities across the United States, as he keeps open the possibility of a 2028 presidential campaign.
The California Democrat stopped short of announcing a White House bid but told NBC News that his priority was developing a national economic vision for the country, which he described as “economic patriotism”.
“For me, I’m most focused on a national economic vision for this country,” Khanna said.
Khanna represents a Silicon Valley district that is home to some of the world’s largest technology companies and significant concentrations of wealth. He argued that the economic gains generated by the technology sector have not been shared widely enough.
“It’s working for a few billionaires in a few places. But it’s not working for people I grew up with,” he said.
Khanna said Democrats had lost support among working-class voters by failing to adequately address the concerns of communities affected by deindustrialisation.
“The Democrats’ path back out of the wilderness is to have a clear national economic message,” he said, adding that the party had “shafted too many communities that were de-industrialised” and left out the working class.
Asked about his potential candidacy in relation to fellow progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Khanna described her as “a phenomenal talent” and said the progressive movement would have multiple voices.
Rather than directly contrasting himself with Ocasio-Cortez, Khanna highlighted his economic priorities, particularly the impact of AI and data centres on communities.
“How are we going to make sure AI is not just working for a few billionaires, but is working for communities that were de-industrialised?” he asked.
Khanna said Democrats broadly agree that the current economic system is failing many ordinary Americans, although differences remain over how to address the problem.
He reiterated his support for Medicare for All, a tax on billionaires and ending foreign wars. Calling Medicare for All “arguably the most important priority”, he said the proposal should receive a vote in the House of Representatives.
Khanna also proposed a “data centre bill of rights” to prevent companies from establishing data centres in residential neighbourhoods or on farmland without local community approval.
He acknowledged that the US needs data centres to remain competitive in artificial intelligence but said their locations and potential impact on electricity prices should be regulated.
The son of Indian immigrants, Khanna recalled growing up in an Indian-American household and celebrating Thanksgiving with “Indian uncles and aunties”.
His comments come as potential Democratic contenders begin positioning themselves ahead of the party’s 2028 presidential nomination, with Khanna increasingly prominent in debates over technology, economic policy and US foreign affairs.
FOLLOW NOW
