How Ro Khanna's support for a wealth tax earned him a tech-backed primary challenger

"I wouldn't say it's central, but I would say it is the straw that broke the camel's back. Agarwal said of Khanna's embrace of the wealth tax in an interview with Business Insider, indicating that while the wealth tax proposal wasn't the sole reason for the challenge, it represented a culmination of concerns about Khanna's alignment with Silicon Valley interests and values."

"I have a very strong coalition of progressives, and technology and business leaders who believe in my vision: that we need a new social contract in this country. Khanna stated in an interview with Business Insider, expressing confidence in his diverse support base and his ability to maintain electoral success through his established coalition."

"As of the end of 2025, Khanna had amassed nearly $15.5 million in his campaign account, and his national profile has risen after he championed a bill to compel the Department of Justice to release the Epstein files. This demonstrates Khanna's significant financial resources and increased national prominence through legislative efforts."

Rep. Ro Khanna, representing California's 17th congressional district in Silicon Valley, is facing a primary challenge from tech entrepreneur Ethan Agarwal, who switched from a gubernatorial race to run against him. Agarwal has backing from major tech figures including Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan and venture capitalists Chamath Palihapitiya and Ron Conway. These supporters argue Khanna has lost touch with his district, citing his endorsement of a billionaire wealth tax as a significant factor. Khanna maintains confidence in his reelection prospects, citing his strong coalition of progressives and business leaders. He has accumulated nearly $15.5 million in campaign funds and faces five total challengers, including two other Democrats and two Republicans.

Read at Business Insider