PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Far-left Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is reportedly ramping up her political operation for a potential 2028 presidential run.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and possible donors and supporters.

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📍WHEN & WHERE: Ocasio-Cortez has been holding town halls across upstate New York and participating in a national “Fighting Oligarchy” tour with Bernie Sanders for several months. The report about her potential presidential run and political operation ramp-up surfaced on Friday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “She has a supporter base that, in many ways, has a larger potential width than Bernie’s,” said Ari Rabin-Havt, a Progressive commentator and former aide to Sen. Sanders.

🎯IMPACT: The potential run would position Ocasio-Cortez as the leading figure for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, with implications for both Senate and presidential races.

Far-left Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)—popularly known as AOC—is reportedly ramping up her political operation ahead of a potential presidential run in 2028. It is believed Ocasio-Cortez and her team are weighing whether to pursue the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)—who has signalled he may not run for re-election in 2028—or aim for the White House.

AOC, who represents parts of Queens and the Bronx, has been working to expand her influence both in New York and across the country. She has joined Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) on his nationwide “Fighting Oligarchy” tour and has held town halls throughout upstate New York this summer. Additionally, she has invested significant resources into growing her social media presence and compiling a list of potential supporters and donors, according to reports.

While no official decision has been made, it is believed Ocasio-Cortez’s team aims to keep her options open. Some allies believe that even if she doesn’t think she can secure the presidential nomination, a run for the White House would ensure the progressive wing of the Democratic Party has a voice in the primary, similar to Sanders’s 2016 campaign against Hillary Clinton.

If she opts to pursue a Senate seat, Ocasio-Cortez could challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, though it appears he may not seek re-election. Schumer, 74, has served five terms and last won re-election in 2022 without facing a serious challenge from the left.

Ari Rabin-Havt, a former Sanders aide, told the media on Friday, “She has a supporter base that, in many ways, has a larger potential width than Bernie’s. She has been in the glare of the spotlight from day one and has the national campaigning experience a lot of other potential candidates are now trying to get.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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