Congressman Ro Khanna among potential contenders to fill Senate seat being vacated by Kamala Harris

Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna, who was recently elected for a third consecutive term from congressional district representing Silicon Valley, is being considered as a potential contender to fill US Senate seat from California that will fall vacant in January after Kamala Harris is sworn in as country's vice president.

Daughter of an Indian-American mor and African-American far, Harris, 56, was elected a US Senator from California in 2016. seat will become vacant after she is sworn in as vice president in January. Under California law, vacancy would be filled up by Goverr Gavin Newsom for remaining two-year term of Senate seat. State media is reporting various names, including that of Khanna, 44, that are being considered by Newsom to fill up vacancy.

Among potential contenders are California Secretary of State Alex Pilla, whose election to Senate will make him first Lati senator from State; Congresswoman Karen Bass, who was on vice presidential short-list for President-elect Joe Biden; Congresswoman Barbara Lee; Congressman am Schiff, chairman of House Intelligence Committee; Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia; State Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins of San Diego; Treasurer Fiona Ma; and State Controller Betty Yee.

"I am houred that my name is in mix. But I also represent a very powerful constituency....Silicon Valley. So, we'll see where things go. I am open to whatever opportunity...where I can be most effective,” Khanna told PTI when asked about news reports.

According to a recent poll by University of Sourn California, 14 per cent want a Lati as next Senator. But 29 per cent of those interviewed want someone having experience in Washington. As per poll, 11 per cent of respondents preferred Barbara Lee and eight per cent picked Ro Khanna.

"I think re are a lot of great people out re, but what I hope is that goverr picks someone clearly with a progressive views," Khanna told ABC News.

Khanna was co-chair of presidential campaign of Senator Bernie Sanders. On Thursday, IMPACT, a leing Indian-American vocacy and political action committee, endorsed Khanna to fill seat to be vacated by Harris. "IMPACT urges Goverr Newsom to consider Representative Ro Khanna. He has essential qualities to meet this moment: At a time when we are deeply divided, Ro has demonstrated an ability to bring toger progressives, moderates, and even some Republicans,” Impact executive director Neil Makhija said.

"As an Indian American, Ro also represents fastest growing community in California. As millions of Black and Brown children around country see promise of America in new Vice President-elect, her replacement should offer same hope and representation for Californians," Makhija said.  

(Im Credits: AP)