The election of Kamala Harris to Vice President could pave the way for Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Silicon Valley) to be named to the US Senate.
The Indian American is one of several names being bantered that California Governor Gavin Newsom might be considering to replace Harris in the Upper House.
Voters in California’s Silicon Valley just reelected Khanna to a third term in the US House of Representatives.
Quint reports the progressive Indian American political fund IMPACT is urging to name Khanna to the Senate seat.
“[Khanna] 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,” Neil Makhija of IMPACT said in a statement.
Others are urging Newsom to choose the first Latinx from California to the Senate, according to the Sacramento Bee.
A recent poll by the University of Southern California of 1200 state voters revealed the top choices of 1200 voters polled were Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland), 11%, and Khanna, 8%, tied with Secretary of State Alex Padilla.
“One of his (Newsom’s) advisors told me that the main thing that you should look for politically is someone who’s been with you in the past and can be with you in the future,” said Phil Matier, a political commentator for both the San Francisco Chronicle and ABC7 News.
Newsom reportedly would like to make an historic pick which some feel points to him choosing a Latino. However, IMPACT argues the choice of an Indian American would also be signficant.
“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. “As Vice President-elect Harris has often said, she may have been the first but she won’t be the last. Governor Newsom has the opportunity to make sure she’s proven right with the selection of Ro Khanna as her replacement in the United States Senate.”
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