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Senior CA Democrat endorses Ethan Agarwal for Congress
The eight-term former representative characterized Agarwal as precisely the kind of representative the current political moment requires.
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Anushka Pathak - Fri, 20, Mar 2026
- 13:43 EDT
- 16
L-R: Former U.S. representative Mike Honda, Ethan Agarwal / Courtesy: Wikipedia, X/@Ethan Agarwal
Senior Democrat and former U.S. Representative from California Mike Honda has formally endorsed Ethan Agarwal in his bid to unseat incumbent Rep. Ro Khanna.
“Ethan is a principled, authentic voice and an honest broker addressing 21st century issues," Honda, who was unseated by Khanna in 2016, said.
“His story reflects the original promise of Silicon Valley—entrepreneurs who build, create opportunity, and give back. He's the kind of leader we need right now: grounded in where he came from and committed to public service,” Honda added
ALSO READ: PAL PAC endorses Saikat Chakrabarti’s California run
Congressman Mike Honda is a legend.
— Agarwal for Congress (@ethanagarwal) March 20, 2026
He broke barriers during his 16 year term in Congress.
Today, I am honored to have earned his endorsement in our race for Congress for his former district.
Thank you Congressman, I’ll do my best to continue the amazing, selfless work you… pic.twitter.com/hpfs0MMhAe
Honda, who served California’s 17th Congressional District for eight terms from 2001 to 2017, praised Agarwal’s background as emblematic of Silicon Valley’s founding ethos, noting that he embodies entrepreneurs who create jobs, expand access, and contribute to their communities while staying connected to their origins.
He praised what he saw as Agarwal’s ability to confront modern policy challenges with straightforward integrity rather than political posturing.
Honda went on to characterize Agarwal as precisely the kind of representative the current political moment requires. According to him, Agarwal is “grounded in where he came from and committed to public service,” suggesting this combination of deep local roots and a demonstrated willingness to serve the broader community makes him especially well-suited to restore public confidence in elected officials.
In response to the endorsement, Agarwal highlighted Honda’s lifelong record and influence. “Mike Honda has spent his life fighting for opportunity and fairness,” Agarwal said. “His leadership helped shape Silicon Valley and inspired a generation of public servants. I’m honored to have his support as we work to bring a new generation of leadership to Congress.”
Honda, a respected figure across Silicon Valley, built a long career centered on expanding educational access, advancing civil rights, and promoting economic opportunity in one of the nation’s most diverse and innovative regions.
Before entering Congress, he served in the Peace Corps, on the San Jose Unified School Board, as a Santa Clara County Supervisor, and in the California State Assembly.
The statewide primary takes place on June 2.
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