Attorney Ro Khanna began airing a contrast ad Monday, just a few weeks out from California’s top-two primary.  

In the ad, the Democrat taking on  longtime Democratic Rep. Michael M. Honda hits the incumbent for “stubbornly” refusing all debates and “slinging mud” — likely referencing a negative mailer Honda’s campaign sent earlier this month.  

“Isn’t it time to put the old politics aside?” a narrator says in the 30-second spot, before transitioning to highlight Khanna’s endorsements.  

https://youtu.be/rrAQPShw2lg  

Khanna’s campaign did not say how much is behind the ad, only that it will air “widely throughout the 17th District.” Khanna had nearly $2 million in cash on hand as of March 31, giving him ample funds for advertising.  

Khanna, Honda, and Republicans Vanila Singh and Joel VanLandingham will face off in a June 3 primary. The two highest vote recipients, regardless of party, will advance to the general.  

It’s likely that both Khanna and Honda will advance in this heavily Democratic district, based in Silicon Valley.  

Khanna’s cash advantage, plus endorsements from some of Silicon Valley’s top business leaders  and the largest newspapers in the district, landed Honda on CQ Roll Call’s list of the most vulnerable members of Congress in 2014 .  

California’s 17th District is rated Safe Democratic  by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.