Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Eyes 2028 Senate or Presidential Run as Democratic Socialists Gain Ground
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, at 36, is contemplating a potential Senate or presidential bid in the 2028 elections. Her recent visit to Upstate New York indicates an ambition that extends past her current district in Queens. As she approaches her eighth year in Congress, Ocasio-Cortez has emerged as a prominent leader among progressives within the Democratic Party. Despite acknowledging the risks associated with a 2024 campaign, including the possibility of personal setbacks, she benefits from a favorable public perception of socialism—43% support according to a Gallup poll—and substantial fundraising efforts, having amassed nearly $10 million in the first quarter of 2025.
Key facts
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a 36-year-old Democratic socialist congresswoman in her eighth year of government.
- She toured rural Upstate New York last week, sparking speculation about a 2028 Senate or presidential run.
- In a New York Times interview, she said, "If I were to run in this cycle and not win, I would be done."
- New York mayor Zohran Mamdani's election last year preceded further socialist mayorships and congressional wins nationwide.
- A Gallup poll found that 43% of Americans now hold positive views of socialism.
- A Senate campaign would likely be easier for AOC, as she would almost certainly win the seat held by Charles Schumer, whose approval rating is the lowest among leading US politicians.
- She raised nearly $10m in the first quarter of 2025.
- She toured with Bernie Sanders on the Fighting Oligarchy tour, which was widely watched.
Entities
Artists
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Zohran Mamdani
- Charles Schumer
- Kamala Harris
- Gavin Newsom
- Donald Trump
- Bernie Sanders
- Riley Roberts
- David Kaufman
Institutions
- Democratic Party
- New York Times
- Gallup
- Munich Security Conference
- Monocle
Locations
- Queens
- New York
- United States
- Upstate New York
- Washington
- Albany
- Venezuela
- Munich
- Germany
- California
Sources
- Monocle —