California Rep. Ro Khanna posted a video on X declaring “DEI is back” after Democrats gained control of both chambers in the midterm elections, highlighting what he described as likely three Black governors, the first Latina governor in Texas, the first Muslim American senator, and the first gay senator. The clip shows Khanna stating that America celebrated diversity and inclusion that night. Online users reacted after the post, with many commenters arguing the results reflected concerns over the economy and affordability rather than a return to DEI.
In the clip, Khanna stands in front of a brick wall and says, “Tonight DEI is back as America celebrated diversity and inclusion. Likely three black governors, the first Latina governor in Texas, the first Muslim American senator, the first gay senator. I love this America.” The video shows no election returns or additional context beyond his statement.
According to the post and subsequent reporting, the remarks followed Democratic gains in the midterm elections, including control of both chambers of Congress. Khanna, who represents California’s 17th District, also won re-election.
News outlets including WION and ANI reported on the post as a celebration of diversity and inclusion among the winners. One report identified the Black governors he referenced as Republican Byron Donalds in Florida, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia, and Democrat David Crowley in Wisconsin.
Mixed Responses to Rep. Ro Khanna’s “DEI Is Back” Post
A smaller number of commenters backed the framing. One wrote, “I LOVE THAT…I LOVE DEI !”
Others argued the midterm results reflected different priorities. One reply stated, “Affordability should be back. Accountability should be back. Peace should be back. Economic and military alliances should be back. Honesty and integrity should be back. Do not lose sight of what tonight was about.”
Another said, “He needs to stop this type of messaging rn, I’m as left and gay as it gets, but Americans don’t care about this. They care about affordability and fighting corruption.”
Several commenters rejected the DEI claim outright and pointed to other factors. One wrote, “You lost on DEI, retard. This was a protest vote against Trump’s handling of Iran and the economy, not DEI.”
Another added, “Immediately jumping back to the strategy that lost them the elections in 2016 and 2024.”
For now, Khanna’s post has become part of the broader conversation about how Democratic gains in the midterms are being interpreted. Online responses continue to differ on whether the results point mainly to diversity or to other priorities such as the economy and affordability.
