WATCH: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez doesn’t rule out 2028 presidential bid
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has not ruled out the possibility of running for president in 2028. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that her main focus right now is on protecting Medicaid and ensuring that people have access to healthcare. She expressed concern about the Republican efforts to cut Medicaid and highlighted the importance of focusing on protecting people’s rights and well-being.
Despite the speculation surrounding her potential presidential aspirations, Ocasio-Cortez stressed that her priority is to address the pressing issues facing the country, such as the treatment of individuals exercising their First Amendment rights and the deportation of young children. She also called attention to the need to prevent people from being kicked off Medicaid.
Ocasio-Cortez has been actively engaged in political campaigns and movements, including the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. The speculation about her presidential ambitions was fueled by a recent campaign-style video posted on her account, in which she declared, “We are one.”
Prominent pollster Nate Silver has named Ocasio-Cortez as the leading Democratic contender for the party’s presidential nomination in 2028. He cited her broad appeal across the party as a key factor in her potential candidacy. The video posted by Ocasio-Cortez has further fueled rumors about her presidential ambitions, with many Americans speculating that she may run for president in 2028.
Meanwhile, back in New York, Ocasio-Cortez’s favorability ratings have soared, surpassing those of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. A recent poll conducted by Siena College found that Schumer’s favorability rating had dropped to 39%, while Ocasio-Cortez’s rating had risen to 47%. The shifting perceptions of both politicians reflect the changing dynamics within the Democratic Party.
Ocasio-Cortez has also been successful in fundraising, raising a record-breaking $9.6 million over the past three months. Her campaign highlighted that the funds were contributed by 266,000 individual donors, with an average contribution of just $21. This massive fundraising haul has positioned Ocasio-Cortez as a formidable force within the Democratic Party.
As Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders continue to garner national attention with their progressive agenda, there is a growing debate within the Democratic Party about the direction of its leadership. While some view Ocasio-Cortez as a potential candidate for higher office, others believe that her ideas are too radical to appeal to a broader audience. Republican strategist Colin Reed cautioned Democrats against underestimating Ocasio-Cortez’s appeal and energy, even as he criticized her policy proposals as being outside the mainstream.
As Democrats navigate a period of uncertainty and seek to define their party’s future, the potential candidacy of Ocasio-Cortez in 2028 looms large. With a vacuum in leadership within the party, there is an opportunity for Ocasio-Cortez to dominate the national Democratic narrative and shape the direction of the party. However, her candidacy may also face challenges in appealing to a broader electorate and overcoming criticism of her policy positions.
