Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna, who was recently elected to a third consecutive term from the Congressional district representing Silicon Valley, is being considered as a potential candidate to fill the vacant United States Senate seat for California. in January after Kamala Harris takes office. in as vice president of the country.
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The daughter of an Indian-American mother and an African-American father, Harris was elected to the US Senator for California in 2016. The position will be vacated after she is sworn in as Vice President in January.
Under California law, Governor Gavin Newsom would fill the vacancy for the remaining two years of the Senate seat. State media are reporting on several names, including Khanna, that Newsom is considering to fill the vacancy.
Possible contenders include California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, whose Senate election will make him the state’s first Latino senator; Congresswoman Karen Bass, who was on President-elect Joe Biden’s list of vice presidential candidates; Congresswoman Barbara Lee; Congressman Adam Schiff, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee; Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia; Pro Tem of the San Diego State Senate Toni Atkins; Treasurer Fiona Ma; and state controller Betty Yee.
“I am honored that my name is in the mix. But I also represent a very powerful electorate … Silicon Valley. So we’ll see where things go. I am open to any opportunity … where I can be most effective, ”Khanna told PTI when asked about the news reports.
According to a recent survey by the University of Southern California, 14 percent want a Latino as the next senator. But 29 percent of those interviewed want someone with Washington experience. According to the poll, 11 percent of respondents preferred Barbara Lee and eight percent chose Ro Khanna.
“I think there are a lot of great people, but what I hope is that the governor will choose someone clearly with progressive views,” Khanna told ABC News.
Khanna was a co-chair of Senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign.
On Thursday, IMPACT, a leading Indian-American political action and advocacy committee, endorsed Khanna to fill the position Harris will vacate.
IMPACT urges Governor Newsom to consider Rep. Ro Khanna. He has the essential qualities to face this moment: At a time when we are deeply divided, Ro has demonstrated his ability to unite progressives, moderates and even some Republicans, ”said Impact Executive Director Neil Makhija.
“As an American Indian, Ro also represents the fastest growing community in California. As millions of black and brown children across the country see America’s promise in the new vice president-elect, her replacement should offer the same hope and representation for Californians, ”said Makhija. PTI LKJ SMN SMN
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