Indian-American Ro Khanna Among Contenders For Kamala Harris Senate Seat

Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna, who was recently elected for a third consecutive term from the congressional district representing Silicon Valley, is being considered as a potential contender to fill the US Senate seat from California that will fall vacant in January after Kamala Harris is sworn in as the country's vice president.

Daughter of an Indian-American mother and African-American father, Harris, 56, was elected a US Senator from California in 2016. The seat will become vacant after she is sworn in as the vice president in January.

Under California law, the vacancy would be filled up by Governor Gavin Newsom for the remaining two-year term of the Senate seat. State media is reporting various names, including that of Khanna, 44, that are being considered by Newsom to fill up the vacancy.

Among the potential competitors are California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, whose political decision to Senate will make him the primary Latino representative from the State; Congresswoman Karen Bass, who was on bad habit official short-list for President-elect Joe Biden; Congresswoman Barbara Lee; Congressman Adam Schiff, administrator of the House Intelligence Committee; Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia; State Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins of San Diego; Treasurer Fiona Ma; and State Controller Betty Yee. 

"I am regarded that my name is in the blend. In any case, I additionally speak to an extremely amazing constituency....Silicon Valley. In this way, we'll see where



things go. I am available to whatever opportunity...where I can be best," Khanna disclosed to news agency.

As per an ongoing survey by University of Southern California, 14 percent need a Latino as the following Senator. Yet, 29 percent of those talked with need somebody having involvement with Washington. According to the survey, 11 percent of the respondents favored Barbara Lee and eight percent picked Ro Khanna.

 "I think there are a lot of great people out there, but what I hope is that the governor picks someone clearly with a progressive views," Khanna told News.

 Khanna was co-chair of the presidential campaign of Senator Bernie Sanders.

 On Thursday, IMPACT, a leading Indian-American advocacy and political action committee, endorsed Khanna to fill the seat to be vacated by Harris.

 "IMPACT urges Governor Newsom to consider Representative Ro Khanna. He has the essential qualities to meet this moment: At a time when we are deeply divided, Ro has demonstrated an ability to bring together progressives, moderates, and even some Republicans,” Impact executive director Neil Makhija said.

 "As an Indian American, Ro also represents the fastest growing community in California. As millions of Black and Brown children around the country see the promise of America in the new Vice President-elect, her replacement should offer the same hope and representation for Californians," Makhija said.