Ro Khanna's supporters launch campaign for 2028 bid, Marco Rubio rules out early exit

Attention in the United States has shifted to the 2028 presidential election after the midterm polls, with allies of Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna seeking support for his possible candidacy and reports suggesting that Secretary of State Marco Rubio may also enter the race, according to news agency Press Trust of India.

While a group supporting Khanna has begun raising funds and building support, Rubio has dismissed reports that he could leave the Trump administration to prepare for a presidential bid.

A section of the media reported on Thursday that Rubio might resign from the administration for a possible presidential run. However, he said he planned to work for President Donald Trump until the end of his term.

Working for Trump until the end of his term has “always been my plan”, Rubio told The New York Times. “I don't know where these things come from, to be honest with you,” he said in response to reports that he could soon leave the Cabinet.

Former Congressman Jamaal Bowman and progressive strategist Nomiki Konst have launched a group called “Run Ro” to support Khanna. The group can raise money from donors and begin building support while he considers a 2028 campaign.

“By launching now, we are trying to ensure that the presidential primary debate is framed from a progressive populist perspective,” Konst told NBC News.

A possible Khanna candidacy would face significant challenges. James Garfield, elected in 1880, is the only person to have won the presidency directly from the House of Representatives.

Khanna, a fifth-term lawmaker, has drawn attention for bipartisan efforts to secure the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files and end the war in Iran, PTI reported.

“We need America's Next New Deal. Whether I run or support someone else is something I will decide with my family after the holidays,” Khanna said in a statement to NBC News.

Khanna, who was a co-chair of Bernie Sanders' 2020 campaign, is also popular among progressives across the country. The Philadelphia-born lawmaker has been visiting early primary states for months.

Khanna and fellow Democratic leaders, Senators Cory Booker and Chris Van Hollen, are scheduled to attend a gathering of prominent Democrats in Denver next week to discuss the party's future course.

The meeting, to be held from November 12 to 14, is being hosted by Majority Democrats. The group was formed last year by largely moderate elected representatives and other prominent Democrats who say they are “committed to reshaping and growing the Democratic Party”.

Other potential presidential candidates expected to attend include former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona and Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut.

The developments reflect early preparations for the 2028 presidential race, with Khanna's supporters beginning an organised campaign as he weighs a bid and Rubio rejecting reports of an early departure from the Trump administration.- Ends