DSA Liberation Caucus rejects Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as 2028 candidate

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) Liberation Caucus has rejected New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a potential 2028 presidential candidate. The Marxist-Leninist-Maoist group criticized Ocasio-Cortez for what they described as a “continued retreat from socialist politics” and a lack of “Palestine solidarity.”

The caucus cited several specific actions as grounds for their rejection, including Ocasio-Cortez hosting a public panel with leaders from the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, which the group labeled a “Zionist organization.” They also noted her vote in favor of H. Res 888, which defends Israel’s right to exist, and her support for strengthening the Iron Dome.

The DSA’s National Political Committee had previously withdrawn its conditional endorsement of the Representative in 2024. The Liberation Caucus further criticized her for distancing herself from the national DSA program by claiming affiliation specifically with the NYC-DSA chapter.