Ro Khanna calls Josh Shapiro ‘formidable,’ avoids Fetterman criticism in swing through Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA – Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) had nothing but praise for Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) as he kicked off a weeklong barnstorm of Pennsylvania on Tuesday, predicting he would be a “formidable” rival should both men choose to run for president in 2028.“I have a great relationship with Gov. Shapiro,” Khanna told the Washington Examiner after delivering a speech in downtown Philadelphia, noting the two had similar upbringings in the suburbs of Pennsylvania and that his parents are “fans.”Khanna represents Silicon Valley as a fifth-term congressman from California, but he returned to his home state over the recess to deliver a series of speeches focused on his vision of “economic patriotism.” The trip is the latest sign that Khanna is preparing for a presidential run in 2028, a decision that would pit him against a crowded primary field that could include Shapiro. The governor has sidestepped 2028 speculation as he runs for reelection in November but is ideologically at odds with Khanna, a progressive Democrat, and represents the more pragmatic wing of the party.Khanna’s speech at a library in Philadelphia on Tuesday night followed an event with Chris Rabb, a firebrand House nominee whom Shapiro reportedly opposed in the May primary. The two also have diverging views on Israel, with Khanna calling the civilian deaths in Gaza a “genocide.”In the interview, Khanna revealed that Shapiro “very graciously” called him after he returned from a trip to the West Bank where he was detained by settlers earlier this month.2028 CAMPAIGN CASH TRACKER: OSSOFF, AOC, KHANNA STACK BIG MONEYKhanna said that he would not make any decision on 2028 until sometime after the Thanksgiving holiday, although he told the Washington Examiner he was pleased with the primary calendar approved by the Democratic National Committee last week, judging that the selection of early states like South Carolina would not give any particular candidate an advantage.“I felt they were very fair in how they handled that entire process, and have come up with six pretty good states,” Khanna said.He also expressed confidence in DNC chairman Ken Martin, joining House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and others who are attempting to quell Democratic unrest over Martin’s financial stewardship of the organization ahead of the midterm elections.“I think we could bring in people to help,” Khanna said of the DNC’s anemic fundraising, adding that he would use a speech at the DNC’s summer meeting in August to reiterate his support for Martin.“We outraised Donald Trump in both elections. We lost,” Khanna said. “I think what’s more important is building a grassroots movement, building a strong state party infrastructure, county party infrastructure.”When addressing the possible 2028 field, Khanna also had praise for Vice President JD Vance and urged Democrats not to “underestimate” him.“I’ve known JD Vance for over a decade. He’s a Marine. He’s married up in life,” Khanna said, adding that he, too, would be “formidable” as a candidate. “I have a lot of respect for his wife, Usha, and he understood the pain of the industrialized communities and is a very smart person, and it would be foolish for any Democrat to underestimate him.”His comments come as the Democratic Party debates the best way to regain a foothold of power in Washington.Khanna has aggressively endorsed progressive candidates, breaking with party leaders who have attempted to push primary voters toward Democrats who fit more firmly within the mainstream.In the case of Maine, Khanna’s strategy has invited blowback after Senate nominee Graham Platner withdrew from the race amid sexual assault allegations earlier this month. Elsewhere, his endorsement record is a mix of wins and losses. Khanna acknowledged that the Senate race in Michigan will be close but predicted that Abdul el Sayed, his favored candidate, is “going to pull it out” in next week’s Democratic primary.“I think his race was really important, but I don’t view any one race as indicative of the future,” Khanna said. “I think that the point is, there’s a lot of energy for anti-establishment, progressive candidates around the country, and we’re having a lot of wins.”The intraparty fight has put Khanna at odds with another Pennsylvania colleague, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA): a centrist who has frequently sparred with the candidates Khanna is supporting and said Monday that the Left needs to do a better job of “policing” its ranks.Khanna avoided criticizing Fetterman directly in the interview, noting that the two have “had drinks” together and emphasizing that he wanted to focus on “articulating a positive vision.” He did draw an ideological contrast, however.TOM BARRETT GETS COMBATIVE WITH BREAK FROM TRUMP ON IRAN“I’m an FDR Democrat. I’m for a broad coalition,” Khanna said in response to Fetterman, who has taken particular aim at the Democratic Socialists of America in recent days.“FDR had explicit socialists in his coalition in the New Deal, but … he was obviously someone who believed in free enterprise,” Khanna added. “I think John thinks that I certainly belong in the party.”