Rep. Ro Khanna said Democrats have struggled to connect with working-class voters because they have too often nominated “status quo” candidates who avoid challenging economic inequality.

Speaking on “Meet the Press,” he responded to a DNC autopsy report on the party’s 2024 election loss, agreeing that Democrats need a stronger economic message focused on affordability and fairness.

Khanna argued that the party should better address inequality and speak more directly to working-class concerns rather than focusing mainly on political messaging or debate.

He also suggested Democrats could have performed better if leaders like Kamala Harris had more prominently promoted major economic policies in key states, Fox News has reported.

Khanna defended DNC Chair Ken Martin, saying he should remain in his role while improving coordination with state parties and strengthening the party’s strategy.