Khanna eyes opportunity in Ocasio-Cortez plotting

As Democrats begin to position themselves for the 2028 presidential campaign, few contenders are being watched and analyzed as closely as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), whose decision to enter the race could alter the entire landscape of the Democratic primary. 

No one has more reason to observe Ocasio-Cortez’s every move than Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who is frequently mentioned as the “other candidate in the progressive lane.”

If Ocasio-Cortez does stay out of the race — possibly deciding to run for a New York Senate seat instead — Khanna could have an opening as the party’s leading progressive candidate.

But if Ocasio-Cortez decides to run, it could complicate matters. For starters, the two lawmakers would compete not only for the same voters, but also for small-dollar donors and staff.

“AOC has the pole position in the race in the progressive field because she has the larger national following,” Democratic strategist Brad Bannon said. “But Khanna will get a big boost and have the advantageous progressive lane to himself if she puts her national ambitions on hold to run against Chuck Schumer in the New York primary.” 

One progressive strategist said Khanna will “definitely” benefit if Ocasio-Cortez decides to sit out the 2028 race. 

“There is a path for him regardless, but she’s sucking up a lot of oxygen right now, with the whole ‘will-she-or-won’t-she’ conversation,” the strategist acknowledged. 

Behind the scenes, Khanna has been slowly moving toward launching a bid for the White House.

For months, he has been taking counsel from Ron Klain, the former White House chief of staff and........

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