From Capitol Hill to Epstein Files, all about Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna
US Congressman Ro Khanna, a five-term Democratic lawmaker representing California's 17th Congressional District in Silicon Valley, has emerged as a prominent voice advocating the full release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.The Indian American politician, who co-sponsored the Epstein Files Transparency Act with Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, has also taken his campaign to states where he is supporting Democratic candidates ahead of the US midterm elections.Khanna has linked the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files to broader voter concerns about corruption and economic inequality, arguing that the issue could influence political allegiances ahead of the elections."In terms of the swing, the slice of voters who feel betrayed by Trump and who could swing to us, the polling shows that this is its single biggest issue," Khanna said. "It gets to the sense of the rigged economy and the corruption."Earlier this month, Khanna campaigned in Michigan with William Lawrence, who is seeking to unseat Republican Representative Tom Barrett in the state's 7th Congressional District. He also campaigned with Democratic Senate candidates Josh Turek in Iowa and Chris Pappas in New Hampshire.
Khanna said his advocacy for accountability over the Epstein files had taken him to states where he had not expected to be invited. He continues to push for the full release of the files, arguing for transparency in the case.Early life and family backgroundBorn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1976, Khanna grew up in a middle-class immigrant family. He has often linked his belief in the American dream to his family's experiences and his grandfather's involvement in India's independence movement.His grandfather, Amarnath Vidyalanker, was part of Mahatma Gandhi's independence movement and spent four years in jail for writing articles against colonialism and protesting British rule. Khanna's account of his family history also connects India's freedom movement to the civil rights movement in the United States and the Immigration Reform Act of 1965, which enabled his parents to move to America.Khanna's father worked as a chemical engineer. His mother worked as a substitute teacher's assistant for children with special needs and helped him with his homework.He grew up in an economically diverse neighbourhood alongside working- and middle-class families. Khanna has credited his neighbours, public schools, teachers and coaches with shaping his belief that opportunities were available to everyone in America.From law and technology to politicsAfter completing college and law school, Khanna moved to Silicon Valley, drawn to the region's technology sector despite having limited money and professional connections.At 27, he made his first bid for Congress, campaigning as the nation's first anti-Iraq War candidate, but lost. He subsequently taught economics at Stanford University, practised technology law and worked on Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign.Khanna later joined the Obama administration as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the US Department of Commerce. After leaving the administration, he made another unsuccessful attempt to enter Congress, campaigning on political reform.He won on his third attempt, becoming an Indian American of Hindu faith representing Silicon Valley, a major centre of technological innovation in the United States and globally.During his successful campaign, former US President Jimmy Carter endorsed Khanna, praising his idealism, energy and commitment to public service and describing him as one of the next generation of American leaders.Role in the Democratic PartyAfter entering Congress, Khanna became Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
He also served as co-chair of Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign, strengthening his position within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.His work on the Epstein files has since become a key focus of his public advocacy. Working alongside Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, Khanna supported the Epstein Files Transparency Act and has continued to press for the release of the records.US midterm electionsKhanna's campaigning across Michigan, Iowa and New Hampshire comes ahead of the US midterm elections, which take place halfway through a president's four-year term.The elections determine all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and approximately one-third of the 100 seats in the Senate. They also include contests for several state governorships and legislatures, as well as some mayoral and other local offices.The results determine which party controls Congress and can significantly influence the president's ability to advance legislation.