“Of course it would be great to have more scientists in Congress. But what I'd love is to have another Lyndon Johnson in Congress who makes climate change his first priority. We need people who know how to work the system and the institution.”

American politician and attorney

Ro Khanna is an American politician and attorney, serving as the U.S. representative for California’s 17th congressional district since 2017. A Democrat, he was elected after defeating longtime incumbent Mike Honda in 2016, following an earlier run for the same seat in 2014. Khanna also served as deputy assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Commerce under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2011. His public career is rooted in government and law, with a focus on national policy and representation in Congress.