Silicon Valley Rep. Mike Honda, Challenger Ro Khanna Advance To November Election
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- The race to represent much of Silicon Valley in the U.S. House of Representatives is setting up to be one of the hottest contests in November, after Democrats Mike Honda and Ro Khanna became the top two finishers in Tuesday's primary election.
Honda, a seven-term incumbent, is facing a challenge from attorney and former Obama administration commerce official Ro Khanna. With 41 percent of precincts reporting Tuesday night, Honda had opened a commanding 50 percent lead while Khanna finished second with 26 percent. Republicans Vanila Singh and Joel VanLandingham had 16 percent and 8 percent, respectively.
Khanna had support from Silicon Valley tech executives such as Yahoo CEO Marissa Meyer and venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, while Honda relied on labor support and progressive political donors.
While each candidate supports progressive causes such as gay marriage, immigration reform and minimum wage increase, Khanna has challenged Honda on business-specific policy ideas such business tax credits and incentives favoring startups.
Honda has maintained his priorities are to maintain a robust Silicon Valley economy that works for everyone and does not favor the few at the top.
