Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., expressed critical views about the Democratic Party’s approach towards working-class voters. Speaking on “Meet the Press,” Khanna highlighted the failure of the party’s reliance on “status quo establishment candidates” who do not challenge a flawed economic system.

Khanna’s remarks come after a Democratic National Committee (DNC) report analyzed the party’s poor performance in the 2024 elections. He asserted that the current system widens inequality, creating a lopsided and unfair economy for many Americans.

Khanna’s Concern with Democratic Strategy

On the show, NBC’s Kristen Welker referred to the DNC report, mentioning that Democrats are more engaged in “winning arguments” while Republicans focus on “winning elections.” Although Khanna dismissed dropping reasonable debates, he agreed on the necessity of enhancing the economic message to financially struggling voters.

Khanna suggested an alternative strategy for former Vice President Kamala Harris. He believed her active presence in key states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio could have bolstered the economic message by elaborating on significant legislative measures like the Inflation Reduction Act, the American Rescue Plan, and the CHIPS Act.

Future Direction for Democrats

Khanna advised a pivot towards addressing working-class voters’ economic concerns rather than maintaining status quo politics. He stated, “We need to have an economic message that actually is talking to the working-class folks who have been shafted,” urging Democrats to confront a rigged system.

Furthermore, amid calls for the resignation of the DNC Chair Ken Martin following criticism over the report, Khanna defended him. He supported Martin’s stance against super PACs and superdelegates participating in Democratic primaries.

Khanna believed Martin could have better managed the report and emphasized cooperation with state parties to ensure proper funding for upcoming elections. Although admitting room for improvement, Khanna does not think Martin should resign.

The Democratic National Committee’s autopsy report was intended to assess the party’s 2024 election losses. Its public release was met with disputes over its conclusions and subsequent political backlash.

CJ Womack is an associate editor at Fox News, joining in 2026. He has experience in news analysis and reporting, holding a BA in Political Science and a minor in Journalism.