Childhood and Education Journey of Ro Khanna in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 7, 2026

An overview of the childhood and early education of Ro Khanna, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Ro Khanna is a U.S. Representative for California's 17th district, serving since 2017. A Democrat, he unseated Mike Honda in 2016. Before Congress, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Department of Commerce under President Obama from 2009 to 2011. Khanna is known for his progressive views and has endorsed Bernie Sanders for president in 2016 and co-chaired Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1968: Khanna's Parents Immigrated to the U.S.

In 1968, Khanna's parents immigrated to the United States from the Indian state of Punjab.

September 13, 1976: Ro Khanna Born

On September 13, 1976, Rohit "Ro" Khanna was born. He is now an American politician and attorney.

1994: Graduation from Council Rock High School

In 1994, Ro Khanna graduated from Council Rock High School in Newtown.

1998: BA Degree from the University of Chicago

In 1998, Khanna received a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with honors in Economics from the University of Chicago, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

2001: Juris Doctor from Yale Law School

In 2001, Khanna received a Juris Doctor (JD) from Yale Law School.

2012: Visiting Lecturer at Stanford and Publication of Book

In 2012, Khanna became a visiting lecturer of economics at Stanford University and published his book, "Entrepreneurial Nation: Why Manufacturing is Still Key to America's Future."

August 2015: Khanna Marries Ritu Ahuja

Ro Khanna married Ritu Ahuja in Cleveland in August 2015.

2016: End of Stanford Lecturing

In 2016, Khanna's time as visiting lecturer of economics at Stanford University ended.

2019: Views on Hinduism and Indian Heritage

In a 2019 op-ed, Ro Khanna described himself as a practicing Hindu, specifying his faith as "Gandhian Hinduism." He also wrote about how summer visits to his grandparents in New Delhi shaped his connection to his Indian heritage and how his family's values were deeply influenced by his grandfather's Gandhian worldview.

2022: Khanna Interview on Early Political Interest

In a 2022 interview, Khanna mentioned his early interest in politics, recalling his first published writing as a letter to the editor opposing U.S. involvement in the Gulf War during his high school years.

2022: Khanna Reflects on University's Core Curriculum

In a 2022 interview, Khanna reflected on how the University of Chicago's Core Curriculum and his study of political philosophy shaped his thinking about pluralism and the American political tradition, instilling "intellectual humility".

July 21, 2024: Biden Withdraws from 2024 Presidential Race

Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race on July 21, 2024, after weeks of pressure from fellow Democrats following the debate.

2025: Podcast and YouTube Appearances

In 2025, Ro Khanna reportedly made 53 appearances on podcasts and YouTube shows between January and September, according to the newsletter Chaotic Era.