AOC considers 2028 presidential run: report

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is considering either a presidential or Senate run in 2028, according to a report from Axios citing people familiar with her strategy. This comes after Ocasio-Cortez has been traveling the United States with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) on his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour and bringing in fundraising cash.

If Ocasio-Cortez were to enter the presidential or Senate race, the prospect could shake up the establishment of the Democrat Party, as the left-wing "Squad" member could either be seen as a leader in the party as a presidential candidate or running to replace Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who is up for reelection in 2028.

Ocasio-Cortez has campaigned across the country and has invested millions into growing her presence online, Axios reported. She has not made a decision as to what office she will pursue, but her team is working on her strategy.

Ocasio-Cortez has held a series of town halls in upstate New York, far from her region of Westchester and New York City, and a much more politically diverse portion of the state as opposed to deep blue downstate.

In Plattsburgh, New York, she said, "Plattsburgh, we are here because every town, every city, every neighborhood in this state matters. Every corner matters. No one deserves to be ignored." The lawmaker's office did not comment on the story. Neither did Schumer.

The possible run from Ocasio-Cortez reflects a shift to the left that has been seen in some political figures, such as socialist candidate for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani as well as Minneapolis candidate for mayor Omar Fateh. Both Mamdani and Fateh have gotten an increasing share of publicity, in part because of their far-left views. Ocasio Cortez also played a part in getting Mamdani the Democratic nomination for mayor, endorsing him in the primary.

Current Governor Kathy Hochul endorsed Mamdani's mayoral bid, but he has shied away from returning the favor as she faces her re-election campaign.