While Gavin Newsom tours the country ahead of an almost certain 2028 presidential run, and Kamala Harris teases giving it another try, perhaps the most polarizing Democrat candidate of all may be plotting a White House run. A new report says Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is laying the groundwork for a possible run for president in 2028. The report cites AOC trying to shore up support on the left, after some liberal groups accused her of cozying up too much to establishment Democrats in the last couple of years.
Still, AOC is not far removed from being considered the new face of the Democratic Party. "She's a very close ally of Bernie Sanders who has had that progressive base behind him for many years, so if she does run, Bernie's support could be formidable in a splintered Democrat field," says Jeff Crouere, political analyst.
"The other advantage she would have is she is a fresh face," he continues. "The leading Dem candidates right now are not setting the world on fire, so there is an opportunity for someone new."
Despite AOC's name recognition and credibility with the left, her youth and inexperience in running a national race would make a White House bid an uphill climb. "I don't think she's quite ready to run at the presidential level," says Crouere. "It's hard to go from representative to president...but a lot of senators do make that step. So I would think that her best play politically would be to run for Senate."
AOC is also reportedly considering a Senate run, which would mean challenging longtime Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in the 2028 primary. "There's a lot of discontent with Schumer among voters in New York," says Crouere. "He's unpopular, he's getting up there in age, and his leadership of Democrats in the Senate has faced criticism from almost everyone...so I think that would be a safer bet for her, and something she'd have a chance of winning."
No decision is expected until after this year's midterms, but it's safe to assume Ocasio-Cortez will be looking for a promotion of some sort. "I think there's no doubt AOC is gonna seek higher office, whether it's the Senate or the presidential race," says Crouere.
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