Politicians are already thinking about the next presidential election. And this Democrat is addressing the rumors about whether they’ll run or not.
As a radical Leftist has announced their 2028 intentions that’s left Republicans ripping their hair out.
AOC: Is a 2028 Presidential Run on the Horizon?
In the ever-churning world of American politics, few figures spark as much intrigue and frustration as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Democrat from New York. A recent viral video posted on X by her campaign team has many speculating that the radical Leftist is laying the groundwork for a 2028 presidential bid. When pressed by Fox News Digital about the buzz, Ocasio-Cortez didn’t shut down the rumors, instead pivoting to the urgent issues she’s championing.
“I think what people should be most concerned about is the fact that Republicans are trying to cut Medicaid right now, and people’s healthcare is in danger. That’s really what my central focus is,” she said, sidestepping questions about her presidential ambitions. Despite President Donald Trump’s promises to protect Medicaid, Ocasio-Cortez remains laser-focused on safeguarding healthcare access.
On Capitol Hill, marking Trump’s 100th day in office, she doubled down on her priorities. “This moment isn’t about campaigns, or elections, or about politics. It’s about making sure people are protected, and we’ve got people that are getting locked up for exercising their First Amendment rights. We’re getting 2-year-olds that are getting deported into cells in Honduras. We’re getting people that are about to get kicked off of Medicaid. That, to me, is most important,” she declared.
Ocasio-Cortez has been hitting the road with Sen. Bernie Sanders on their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, rallying crowds across the country. The tour, coupled with her campaign’s slickly produced X video, has fueled speculation about her future plans.
In the video, filmed on a campaign-style stage in Idaho, she proclaimed, “We are one,” striking a unifying chord. “I’m a girl from the Bronx,” she added. “To be welcomed here in this state, all of us together, seeing our common cause, this is what this country is all about.”
The buzz around Ocasio-Cortez’s potential candidacy isn’t just social media chatter. Nate Silver, the renowned pollster and FiveThirtyEight founder, recently named her as the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.
In a discussion with FiveThirtyEight’s Galen Druke, Silver praised her appeal, while Druke noted, “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has broad appeal across the Democratic Party.” Political reporter Eric Daugherty echoed the sentiment on X, boldly predicting, “Get ready America. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will almost undoubtedly run for president in 2028.”
Back in her home state, Ocasio-Cortez’s star continues to rise. A Siena College poll conducted April 14-16 revealed her favorability at an impressive 47% among New York voters, outshining Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, whose approval dipped to 39%. Schumer faced criticism from fellow Democrats for backing a Republican budget bill supported by Trump, a move that averted a government shutdown but alienated some in his party.
Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez’s fundraising prowess is breaking records. Her campaign raked in a staggering $9.6 million over the past three months, one of the largest hauls ever for a House lawmaker. With 266,000 individual donors and an average contribution of just $21, her grassroots support is undeniable.
“I cannot convey enough how grateful I am to the millions of people supporting us with your time, resources, & energy. Your support has allowed us to rally people together at record scale to organize their communities,” she wrote on social media.
Democratic strategist Joe Caiazzo, a veteran of Sanders’ presidential campaigns, sees Ocasio-Cortez as part of a small cadre of Democrats testing the waters for 2028. “We’re not really sure who or what it will be, but one of the pathways there is to drill down on economic populism. There are many people that occupy that lane and she is one of them,” he said, pointing to the energy behind her joint efforts with Sanders.
But not everyone is convinced her trajectory will lead to the White House. Republican strategist Colin Reed acknowledges her appeal, warning Democrats not to underestimate her, whether she aims for the Senate or the presidency.
Yet he argues her progressive vision is too far left for mainstream America. “The majority of Americans don’t want to transform our country into some sort of ‘European-style government rules all’ vision,” he said, adding that her ideas may energize the Democratic base but fall short of nationwide electability.
Reed also pointed to a leadership void in the Democratic Party, which he believes Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders are exploiting. “Chaos loves a vacuum, and right now, there is a vacuum in leadership in the Democratic Party, and thus chaos is ruling the roost,” he said.
However, he criticized their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, accusing them of hypocrisy for championing climate causes while jetting across the country. “That hypocrisy is one that’s tough for a lot of folks’ stomachs,” he remarked.
As Democrats grapple with their identity and search for a unifying figure after recent electoral setbacks, Ocasio-Cortez may be a formidable force. Whether she’s eyeing the presidency or simply amplifying her influence, it remains to be seen if Democrats feel as though she’s presidential material.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
