AOC hosts Friday night town hall in home district amid 2028 speculation

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is set to host an in-person town hall in Jackson Heights, Queens, on Friday night, following her participation in a May Day protest in New York City. The congresswoman’s return home to New York’s 14th congressional district comes amid speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run.

After joining Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., on his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, Ocasio-Cortez is slated to provide updates on her work in Washington, D.C., offer important constituent updates, and engage with the audience by fielding questions during the town hall. Originally scheduled for the April congressional recess, the event had to be rescheduled due to Ocasio-Cortez falling ill. She took to Instagram two weeks ago to apologize for the cancellation.

In response to inquiries regarding her potential presidential aspirations, Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the pressing issues at hand, such as the Republican party’s attempts to cut Medicaid. She underscored the importance of focusing on protecting people’s healthcare and addressing the injustices faced by individuals across the country.

Amidst rumors and viral videos hinting at a future presidential bid, Ocasio-Cortez has remained steadfast in her commitment to advocating for social justice and healthcare reform. The Siena College poll revealed a surge in Ocasio-Cortez’s favorability ratings, contrasting with a decline in Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s popularity among New York state voters.

As speculation mounts, Ocasio-Cortez’s fundraising efforts have seen substantial success, with a record-breaking $9.6 million raised over the past three months. The congresswoman’s campaign highlighted the grassroots support from 266,000 individual donors, with an average contribution of $21.

While Ocasio-Cortez’s team has not addressed the swirling presidential rumors, the congresswoman’s growing influence and fundraising prowess have positioned her as a formidable figure within the Democratic Party. As she continues to engage with constituents and advocate for progressive policies, Ocasio-Cortez’s future political trajectory remains a topic of keen interest for supporters and observers alike.