Ro Khanna Leads Indian-American Congressional Candidates With $16.9 Million in Campaign Cash
WASHINGTON — Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has amassed nearly $17 million in campaign cash, placing him well ahead of other Indian-American candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2026 elections, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) data.
Khanna, a Democrat representing California’s 17th Congressional District, reported $16.93 million in cash on hand and $13.76 million raised during the current election cycle as of June 30.
The figures, reviewed Wednesday, come as congressional candidates face an October 15 deadline to submit third-quarter fundraising reports covering July through September. The latest filings could significantly change the fundraising picture ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Khanna’s Republican challenger, Ritesh Tandon, who is also Indian-American, reported raising $52,500 through September 30, with just $702 remaining in campaign funds.
Among other Indian-American incumbents, Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington reported raising $2.50 million and holding $1.77 million in cash as of July 15.
Her Republican challenger, Nirav Sheth, reported $11,800 in contributions and $5,000 in available funds as of July 22.
California Democratic Rep. Ami Bera had raised $1.25 million and maintained $1.83 million in cash as of June 30.
Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat representing Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, reported raising $1.17 million and holding $583,000 as of July 15.
Indian-American challengers in other congressional races have also attracted significant campaign contributions.
Democrat Pia Dandiya, running in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, reported $2.28 million raised and $1.30 million in cash as of July 29.
In Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, Democrat Amish Shah had raised $1.83 million, with $402,000 remaining in his campaign account as of July 1.
Several lesser-known Indian-American candidates have already submitted their third-quarter financial disclosures.
Republican Max Ganorkar, running in North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District, reported raising $18,600 and holding $16,800.
Independent candidate Sandeep Dixit, competing in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, disclosed $81,900 in fundraising and $7,300 in cash on hand.
Democrat Mark Nair, running in Texas’s 13th Congressional District, reported raising $132,000, with $14,500 remaining in campaign funds.
The fundraising figures represent cumulative totals for the current election cycle, although the reporting periods vary among candidates. Several of the most recent available disclosures cover periods ending in June or July, before some primary elections.
Third-quarter filings are expected to provide a more current assessment of the financial strength of incumbents and challengers entering the final weeks of the campaign.
Khanna’s substantial campaign reserves rank among the largest held by members of the House and have contributed to speculation about his broader political ambitions.
Indian Americans currently hold six seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, all represented by Democrats.
All 435 House seats will be contested in the November 3 elections, which will determine control of the chamber for the next two years.
The FEC oversees compliance with federal campaign finance laws. Congressional candidates who raise or spend more than $5,000 are generally required to file financial disclosures detailing campaign contributions, expenditures and available funds.
The disclosures provide insight into the growing political participation and fundraising activity of Indian-American candidates across the country. (Source: IANS)
