Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez considers 2028 presidential or Senate run

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has indicated she has not ruled out a run for the presidency in 2028 or a challenge to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for his New York seat. Her comments follow a University of New Hampshire poll that placed her as the leading Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential primary with 22% support, ahead of Pete Buttigieg (21%) and Gavin Newsom (15%).

Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that her current priority remains winning her upcoming midterm reelection in her New York district. She also addressed the importance of engaging with younger voters, describing a “generational tidal wave” of millennials and younger citizens who are increasingly decisive at the polls and motivated by issues such as the economy and climate change.

While prediction markets like Polymarket show Ocasio-Cortez surging ahead of Governor Gavin Newsom in early 2028 odds, some data suggests her favorability among young voters and independents has faced recent challenges. Meanwhile, the rise of progressive candidates, such as Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, is being cited as evidence of a generational shift within the Democratic Party.