In a surprising move, progressive Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) is targeting South Carolina—one of Donald Trump’s strongest states—as part of a calculated Democrat push to flip key red districts in the upcoming midterms.
A Liberal Agenda in the Heart of Trump Country?
Khanna’s visit to the Palmetto State is part of his “Benefits Over Billionaires” tour, which promotes far-left policies like Medicaid expansion, government-run health care, and wage mandates. He’s zeroing in on South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District—currently held by GOP Rep. Nancy Mace—as a potential flip, despite the area supporting Trump by 13 points in 2020.
It’s a risky bet, and one that could backfire in a state that overwhelmingly backed President Trump by 18 points.
Is 2028 Already on Khanna’s Mind?
While Khanna denies interest in a 2028 White House run, his appearances in early primary states like South Carolina suggest otherwise. Other Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, are also making similar moves.
But for now, Khanna says his focus is on helping Democrats retake the House next year. “The priority is winning 30 to 40 seats,” he told Newsweek. Democrats believe the key lies in reshaping their image as the party of economic populism.
Big Government Promises—Paid for by You
Khanna’s platform includes:
- $10-a-day child care
- Government-funded AI academies
- Higher minimum wages
- Trade school subsidies
- Universal health care (Medicare for All)
He brands this agenda “economic patriotism,” but conservatives see it for what it is—massive federal spending that could balloon the debt and expand Washington’s control over everyday life.
Khanna claims Trump’s Medicaid cuts would “devastate rural hospitals,” yet offers no solutions for the long-term sustainability of these bloated entitlement programs.
Epstein Cover-Up? Democrats Seize on Missed Trump Promise
One issue Khanna hopes will fracture conservative support: the Epstein scandal. Trump once promised to release Epstein-related files. But a recent memo from the DOJ claims there is no “client list” and no further charges will be brought.
Khanna says Americans deserve answers and is working with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) on a bipartisan bill to force disclosure. A vote could come in September.
“This is about powerful men with ties to elites abusing young girls—and getting away with it,” Khanna said. “That’s what’s fueling public rage.”
Many voters feel betrayed. Even Trump’s staunchest supporters have voiced frustration over what they see as a missed opportunity to expose corruption.
Foreign Policy Shift: Khanna Accuses Trump of Breaking His Anti-War Pledge
Khanna also blasted Trump for authorizing strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last month—moves he says defied Trump’s 2016 pledge to end “forever wars.”
Together with Massie, Khanna introduced a War Powers Resolution to rein in presidential military action without congressional approval. “Americans don’t want billions wasted on Middle East wars,” he said.
It’s a bold message—especially as many in Trump’s base remain divided on U.S. involvement abroad.
Texas vs. California: Redistricting Showdown
Khanna addressed Gov. Greg Abbott’s push to redraw Texas congressional districts, which critics say favors Republicans. In response, Newsom threatened similar action in California—but Khanna clarified it would require voter approval due to the state’s independent redistricting commission.
“We must legally challenge what Texas is doing,” Khanna said, calling it unconstitutional gerrymandering. But many conservatives argue Democrats only cry foul when it hurts their power.
The Bottom Line for America First Voters
Khanna’s tour is a carefully calculated attempt to rebrand Democrats as the “true populist” party. But behind the slogans and promises lies a familiar playbook: more government, higher spending, and top-down control.
In South Carolina and across red states, voters will have to decide:
Do they want real economic freedom, or another wave of big-government liberalism dressed up as populism?