Ro Khanna Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Family, Career, Net Worth, Controversies
Ro Khanna is a progressive Democratic U.S. Representative from California’s 17th Congressional District in the heart of Silicon Valley, known for advocating economic patriotism, tech accountability, manufacturing revival, and bold policies like taxing billionaires and releasing the epstein files.
An Indian-American attorney and former Obama administration official, he blends Silicon Valley expertise with progressive values, co-chairing bernie sanders’ 2020 campaign and pushing reforms on AI, creator rights, and immigration enforcement. In 2026, Khanna remains active in Congress, championing transparency on high-profile issues and facing backlash from some tech elites over wealth tax support.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Rohit Khanna (commonly Ro Khanna) |
| Nick Name | Rep. Khanna |
| Profession | U.S. Congressman, Attorney, Former Professor |
| Birth Date | September 13, 1976 |
| Age | 49 years 4 months old |
| Birth Place | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Progressive Democrat in Silicon Valley, Epstein Files Transparency Act, wealth tax advocacy, Bernie Sanders co-chair |
| Ethnicity | Indian-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height & Weight | Approximately 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m), average build (some sources vary) |
| Hair Color | Salt and Pepper |
| Eye Color | Light Brown |
| Qualification | B.A. in Economics (University of Chicago, Phi Beta Kappa, 1998); J.D. (Yale Law School, 2001) |
| Religion | Hindu (Gandhian influences) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouses | Ritu Khanna (née Ahuja, m. August 29, 2015) |
| Relationships | Married to Ritu Ahuja; no other notable public affairs |
| Children | Two children: Zara and Soren |
| Family Tree | Parents: Indian immigrants (father chemical engineer, IIT/University of Michigan grad; mother former schoolteacher); Grandfather: Amarnath Vidyalankar (Gandhi independence activist) |
| Hobbies | Public service, policy advocacy, family time |
| Current Work | U.S. Representative (CA-17), 2017–present; Ranking Member, House Select Committee on China; active on Epstein files, ICE reform, creator rights |
| Years Active | Politics: 2004–present (Congress since 2017); Law/Teaching: 2000s–2010s |
| Net Worth | Estimated $20–$45 million+ (historical figures vary; tied to spouse’s assets/investments) |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Early Life & Education
Ro Khanna was born Rohit Khanna on September 13, 1976, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Indian immigrant parents who arrived in the U.S. in the 1970s seeking opportunity. His father is a chemical engineer educated at the Indian Institute of Technology and University of Michigan, while his mother is a former schoolteacher. Khanna’s commitment to public service draws from his grandfather, Amarnath Vidyalankar, who participated in Gandhi’s independence movement, worked with Lala Lajpat Rai, and spent years in jail advocating human rights.
He graduated from Council Rock High School in Newtown, Pennsylvania, in 1994. Khanna earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of Chicago (Phi Beta Kappa) in 1998, where he campaigned for Barack Obama’s Illinois Senate run. He received a J.D. from Yale Law School in 2001, clerked for a federal appeals judge, and practiced intellectual property law.
Career Journey
Ro Khanna’s career spans law, academia, government service, and Congress, focusing on tech policy, economic justice, and progressive reform.
Early Career & Obama Administration (2000s–2011)
After Yale, Khanna worked in private practice on IP law. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of Commerce under President Obama (2009–2011), focusing on trade and economic development.
Academia & Business (2010s)
Khanna taught economics at Stanford University and law at Santa Clara University. He authored books and served on the California Workforce Development Board (2012–2016).
Congressional Career (2017–Present)
Elected in 2016 after defeating incumbent Mike Honda, Khanna has served five terms in CA-17 (Silicon Valley). Key focuses include restoring U.S. manufacturing, tech leadership, debt-free college, apprenticeships, and women’s rights. He rejects PAC/lobbyist money and co-created a No PAC Caucus.
In 2026, he authored the Epstein Files Transparency Act (pushing DOJ releases), End ICE Abuse Resolution, Creator Bill of Rights (for digital workers), and Stop Wall Street Landlords Act. As Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on China, he addresses foreign policy and trade. He co-led bipartisan Epstein files efforts with Rep. thomas massie.
Career Stats
- Terms: 2017–present (5+ terms); reelected 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024; up for reelection 2026
- Committees: Judiciary, Transportation & Infrastructure; Ranking Member, Select Committee on China
- Legislation: Multiple bills signed into law; Epstein Files Transparency Act; resolutions on ICE reform, creator protections
- Key Endorsements: Co-chaired Bernie Sanders’ 2020 campaign; progressive leader
- Elections: Strong wins in Democratic-leaning district
Personal Life
Khanna resides in Fremont, California, with his family, emphasizing middle-class roots and immigrant heritage. He balances congressional duties with family life.
Wife, Family, and Children
- Wife: Ritu Khanna (née Ahuja), married August 29, 2015; Indian-American background
- Children: Two – Zara and Soren (young children)
- Dating History/Affairs: No notable public relationships before marriage
His hobbies include family time and policy work inspired by Gandhian principles.
Controversies
In 2026, Khanna supported a California billionaire wealth tax (2026 Billionaire Tax Act) to fund health services, drawing backlash from Silicon Valley elites (e.g., Y Combinator’s Garry Tan called for a primary challenge). Critics accused him of alienating donors, while supporters praised his stance on shared prosperity. He faced speculation over 2028 presidential ambitions amid Democratic infighting.
Other issues include bipartisan Epstein files push (reviewing unredacted documents, criticizing redactions) and opposition to ICE at Super Bowl events in his district. No major personal scandals.
Awards & Achievements
- Five bills signed into law
- Led Epstein Files Transparency Act passage
- Co-chaired Bernie Sanders’ 2020 campaign
- Progressive leader on tech policy, manufacturing, and economic justice
- No PAC/lobbyist contributions pledge
Physical Statistics
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m; some sources list 6 ft 2 in)
- Weight: Average build
- Build: Professional, approachable
- Hair Color: Salt and Pepper
- Eye Color: Light Brown
Quotes
- “There is a social contract to make sure there’s shared prosperity.”
- On Epstein files: “We will not rest until the Epstein class is brought to justice.”
- “We need a new economic patriotism to create jobs in the industries of the future.”
Favorites
- Causes: Manufacturing revival, tech accountability, immigrant rights
- Influences: Gandhi, progressive economics
- Places: Fremont home, Silicon Valley district
Salary & Net Worth
Khanna’s congressional salary is $174,000 annually. His net worth is estimated in the $20–$45 million range (historical figures from 2017 around $45M, tied to spouse’s assets/investments in electronics, oil/gas, funds). Wealth stems from family investments; he maintains separate finances and some student debt in past reports. Sources like OpenSecrets track congressional finances.
Interesting Facts
- Grandfather jailed for Gandhi’s independence movement.
- Campaigned for Obama’s first Illinois Senate run.
- Rejects PAC/lobbyist money.
- Advocates for creator/digital worker rights in 2026.
Did You Know Already?
- Khanna co-led bipartisan Epstein files release efforts.
- Supported California billionaire tax amid tech backlash.
- Represents Silicon Valley while pushing progressive reforms.
Social Media Links
- Official Website: https://khanna.house.gov
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rokhanna
- X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/RepRoKhanna
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepRoKhanna
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ro Khanna in 2026?
He’s 49 years old, born September 13, 1976.
What is Ro Khanna’s net worth in 2026?
Estimated $20–$45 million+, largely from investments and spouse’s assets.
Who is Ro Khanna’s wife?
He’s married to Ritu Khanna (nĂ©e Ahuja) since 2015.
How many children does Ro Khanna have?
He has two children: Zara and Soren.
What are Ro Khanna’s biggest controversies in 2026?
Backlash from Silicon Valley over billionaire wealth tax support; Epstein files advocacy.
What is Ro Khanna known for politically?
Progressive policies on tech, manufacturing, wealth taxes, and transparency (e.g., Epstein files).
Conclusion
Ro Khanna’s blend of Silicon Valley savvy and progressive advocacy continues to shape national debates in 2026, from economic justice to foreign policy. As a principled voice in Congress, he inspires many while challenging powerful interests. If you enjoyed this bio, share it with fellow politics fans and explore more congressional profiles!
