Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez tops national Democratic poll and endorses progressive New York primary challengers

A recent national poll places Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez ahead of former governor Pete Buttigieg, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Vice‑President Kamala Harris, signaling a surge in progressive influence within the Democratic Party. The Atlas poll of over 2,000 adults also noted that 66 % of Democrats favour a firm opposition to former President Donald Trump, and analysts estimate Ocasio‑Cortez could raise as much as $100 million from small‑donor contributions if she runs. Democrats are also courting Senator Elizabeth Warren for her endorsement.

In parallel, Ocasio‑Cortez has publicly backed three socialist candidates in New York’s upcoming Democratic primary. The endorsed candidates – David Orkin, Christian Celeste Tate and Eon Huntley – advocate policies such as legalizing sex work, raising the state minimum wage to $30 an hour by 2030, abolishing college tuition, and limiting NYPD cooperation with ICE. Their platforms align with broader progressive goals championed by Ocasio‑Cortez and the Democratic Socialists of America.