Why Democrats with 2028 hopes are calling Lina Khan – and what she’s telling them about remaking the economy
Why Democrats with 2028 ambitions are turning to Lina Khan – and what she’s advocating for economic change
Lina Khan, a 37-year-old legal strategist, has become a focal point for Democrats eyeing the 2028 presidential race. Her approach to antitrust enforcement, rooted in a bold vision to tackle corporate power, has resonated with several prominent figures, including Elizabeth Warren, Steve Bannon, and Pete Buttigieg. Even JD Vance, once a critic, has since acknowledged her impact. Khan’s work at Columbia Law School has positioned her as a key voice in reshaping the economy, offering a framework that blends historical legal tools with modern challenges.
When President Joe Biden appointed Khan as chair of the Federal Trade Commission, her assertive style caught some Democratic leaders off guard. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, for example, initially avoided meetings with her, according to sources close to the matter. Similarly, Kamala Harris, after becoming the 2024 Democratic nominee, didn’t publicly engage with Khan or attend events with her. Yet, as the 2028 election looms, Democrats are now seeking her counsel, exploring how her strategies might address pressing issues like rising costs and wealth inequality.
Khan’s blueprint for governing
Khan emphasizes a pragmatic yet transformative strategy, one that doesn’t rely on sweeping legislative overhauls. Instead, she advocates for leveraging existing laws to challenge today’s tech giants and monopolies. “The Democrats are seen as the more cerebral group, but we haven’t cracked the code on connecting with everyday voters,” she told CNN during an interview at Columbia Law School. “This administration’s ability to immediately apply clear goals to legal frameworks showed a level of political precision our side needs to catch up on.”
“If Trump could use the Alien Enemies Act to justify deportations, just imagine what a progressive leader could do with the same tools to address corporate excess,” Khan remarked. “Our task is to reclaim those authorities and use them for the people’s benefit.”
Her influence extends beyond antitrust. During Biden’s tenure as transportation secretary, Buttigieg aligned with Khan’s methods to enforce airline regulations, securing refunds and curbing service delays. “Democrats should focus on rebuilding systems that work, not just salvaging what’s left,” Buttigieg said, highlighting Khan’s role in modernizing regulatory approaches.
Sen. Cory Booker, another 2028 contender, echoes Khan’s call for a return to progressive principles. “We need to revive the spirit of FDR’s era, when the Democratic Party stood for the working class,” Booker stated. “Today’s leaders must match that clarity and courage.”
With her expertise, Khan is shaping the thinking of potential presidential candidates. Warren, who has personally shared Khan’s contact information with emerging contenders, stressed her value in addressing affordability. “Calling Lina Khan is a smart move for anyone aiming to tackle economic inequality,” Warren said. “She’s not just for progressives – her insights span the entire spectrum of Democratic thought.”
Sanders, who once praised Khan as the FTC’s most effective chair in modern history, has also integrated her ideas into campaigns. During the 2023 New York City mayoral race, he sought her counsel on policies for Zohran Mamdani’s administration, underscoring her relevance across political stages. As the next Democratic nominee prepares, Khan’s influence may soon extend beyond policy, shaping the party’s narrative and strategy for years to come.
