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Discover how Rep. Ro Khanna played a key role in the overwhelming House vote to release the Epstein files, and why this moment became a major political turning point.
When the House voted 427-1 to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, it wasn’t just another day in Washington. It was a rare moment of unity, a moment survivors had waited years for, and a moment that revealed how much political strategy can change the course of a debate. At the center of this moment stood Rep. Ro Khanna, whose quiet but determined work helped shape what some called a vote that “ripped MAGA apart.”
Khanna, known for his cross-party relationships and calm approach, stayed mostly in the background during the dramatic vote. While survivors, Democrats, and even several Republicans applauded, he remained focused on what mattered: getting the result. His focus keyword throughout this effort was simple — transparency.
Why Ro Khanna Took the Lead
Khanna represents Silicon Valley, but this issue wasn’t about tech or economics. It started as a fight against what he calls the “elite class” that has shaped and protected powerful systems for decades. His view shifted when he met survivors face-to-face. Their trauma, their stories, and their need for answers changed the tone of the campaign. He said the meetings were “emotionally horrific,” and he wished he had acted earlier.
He joined hands with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, an unlikely but effective partner, who admitted that at the start their chance of success was “about 4 percent.” Yet the two worked the corridors, texted members across the aisle, and stayed focused on one mission — releasing the files.
Building Unusual Alliances
One of the most interesting parts of this story is the alliances Khanna built. He worked with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, someone he barely knew but never openly attacked. He even arranged for Rep. Lauren Boebert to sign the discharge petition without waiting in line, an unusual but strategic move.
Khanna’s approach was simple: don’t attack people, just bring them in. His long list of contacts — from Steve Bannon to Bill Kristol — helped him keep attention on the issue. Even former President Obama, who keeps an eye on Khanna’s work, recognizes his willingness to show up in spaces where most Democrats don’t.
Comparison: Traditional Partisan Strategy vs. Khanna’s Cross-Party Strategy
| Traditional Partisan Approach | Khanna’s Cross-Party Approach |
|---|---|
| Focuses on party wins | Focuses on issue wins |
| Rarely works with opposition | Actively builds unusual alliances |
| Messaging stays inside the party | Messaging reaches all groups |
| Moves slowly on controversial issues | Pushes difficult topics forward faster |
What This Vote Means for Khanna’s Future
Khanna sees this moment as more than just a legislative win. For him, it is proof that he can deliver results, not just ideas. Critics often said he could write books and op-eds but questioned whether he could “get things done.” This vote answers that.
He believes the win shows that Democrats must focus less on simply opposing Trump and more on building a broad, long-lasting coalition. In his view, talking to the “disaffected MAGA voters” is essential to shaping the future.
A New Direction After the Vote
Even though Trump now promises to sign the bill, Khanna says he hasn’t spoken to him since January 2021. Still, he trusts that survivors and former officials who already know what is in the files will keep the process honest.
Khanna is already planning what comes next. He is in talks with Greene about limiting private equity purchases of single-family homes. He believes some Republicans may support lowering the Medicare age to 55. He wants to explore defense cuts. He even hopes for a billionaire tax — calling it a way to take on “the Epstein class.”
To Khanna, this vote isn’t the end. It is a proof of concept. It shows that working across lines, even uncomfortable ones, can deliver results that once seemed impossible.
In the end, the overwhelming vote to release the Epstein files was not just a legislative victory. It was a glimpse of what politics could look like when strategy, empathy, and a willingness to work with anyone come together. And for Ro Khanna, it might just be the moment that shapes the next chapter of his political journey.
