Ro Khanna's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Ro Khanna. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

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.

June 7, 2016: Khanna Wins Primary for House Seat

On June 7, 2016, Ro Khanna won the primary election with 52,059 votes (39.1%) and advanced to the general election against Mike Honda. He became the Representative-elect on November 8 after defeating Honda, 61% to 39%.

November 8, 2016: Khanna Defeats Mike Honda

On November 8, 2016, Ro Khanna, a member of the Democratic Party, defeated eight-term incumbent Democratic representative Mike Honda in the general election for California's 17th congressional district.

2016: Khanna Defeats Honda in General Election

In 2016, Khanna challenged Honda again, defeating him in the general election by a nearly 2-to-1 margin.

November 21, 2017: Trump Signs Khanna's Valor Act

On November 21, 2017, President Donald Trump signed Khanna's Valor Act into law, making it easier for companies to offer apprenticeships to veterans.

October 2, 2018: Amazon Announces Wage Increase

On October 2, 2018, in response to legislation and criticism from Bernie Sanders and Ro Khanna, Jeff Bezos announced that Amazon would raise wages of all employees to $15 an hour, effective November 2018.

November 2018: Khanna Calls Halting Refueling Support for Saudi-Led Coalition a 'Major Victory'

In November 2018, after the Trump administration halted inflight refueling support for the Saudi-led coalition aircraft engaged in Yemen, Ro Khanna hailed the decision as a "major victory" and emphasized the need for Congress to pass a resolution ending all American involvement.