Representative Ro Khanna is backing three progressive insurgent candidates challenging fellow California House Democrats, marking an aggressive confrontation with the party establishment by a potential 2028 presidential contender.
Khanna announced his support for Angela Gonzales-Torres, Eric Jones, and Mai Vang in a statement. Gonzales-Torres, a former local official, is running against Representative Jimmy Gomez. Jones, a 35-year-old venture capitalist, is challenging Representative Mike Thompson, 75. Vang, a 41-year-old Sacramento City Council member, is running against Representative Doris Matsui, 82.
The endorsements place Khanna in territory that even other prominent House progressives, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have largely avoided. Khanna noted that Gonzales-Torres will join efforts against corruption and to stand up for survivors. He described Jones as a change agent who understands the working class, and praised Vang for supporting Medicare for All, taxing billionaires, and calling out the situation in Gaza.
Khanna expressed respect for the incumbents, noting he holds tremendous admiration for Thompson—who has served since 1999—and respects Matsui’s service since 2005. However, he stated that voters are calling for change and that it is time to pass the baton. Khanna did not mention Gomez, who faces a House Ethics Committee investigation over sexual misconduct allegations. Gomez has admitted to personal mistakes outside his marriage but maintained his actions were consensual and denied breaking House rules.
The endorsements represent a shift for Khanna, who had previously endorsed Thompson earlier in the election cycle, even appearing in a text message to supporters where he backed Thompson for California’s 4th District. Addressing the discrepancy, Khanna explained that he wanted to back Gonzales-Torres and Vang and ultimately concluded it was time for new blood and bolder progressives.
Asked about potential backlash from colleagues, Khanna defended the move as a necessary step toward a new politics, describing himself as a long-time reformer and independent-minded. The targeted incumbents and their campaigns pushed back sharply against the interventions.
A spokesperson for Gomez criticized the endorsement, stating that Los Angeles voters care more about the backing of local unions, teachers, nurses, and Planned Parenthood. Thomas Dowling, a spokesperson for Thompson, accused outside venture capital supporters of attempting to buy the congressional seat. Bill Wong, Matsui’s campaign manager, emphasized that local firefighters, teachers, nurses, and environmental organizations are standing with Matsui because she delivers real results.
All three challengers advanced past California’s single jungle primary in June under the state’s top-two general election format, meaning they face Democrat-versus-Democrat general elections in November rather than standard party primaries. Jones and Gonzales-Torres both finished second in their primaries, while Vang narrowly placed ahead of Matsui. Recent polling indicates Jones leading Thompson, Gonzales-Torres essentially tied with Gomez, and party leaders privately expressing concerns about Matsui’s reelection prospects.
