Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is campaigning for New York Governor Kathy Hochul across upstate Republican-leaning areas, signalling a potential step towards higher political office. This move suggests Ocasio-Cortez may be testing her appeal beyond her deep blue New York City constituency, as speculation mounts about whether she will run for president, challenge Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, or remain in her House district.

Hochul has arranged for Ocasio-Cortez to campaign in Buffalo, Syracuse and Ithaca, areas where upstate New York tends to vote Republican. Recent polling shows Hochul trailing her Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman by three points in upstate regions. The 36-year-old politician has said she will make her decision about higher office after the midterm elections and has emphasised that personal factors—including her gender, race, age, and family plans—will inform her choice.