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Far-left tees up AOC for 2028 presidential run after midterm blue wave
Progressive activists and allies are increasingly encouraging Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to consider a 2028 presidential campaign, following the Democrats’ strong midterm result. They point to Abdul El-Sayed’s Michigan victory as evidence that anti-establishment candidates can win in competitive states, while Ocasio-Cortez’s team has highlighted her appeal to working-class voters and small-dollar fundraising.
A “Ready for AOC” hybrid political action committee formed before the midterms and is petitioning for her to run. Ocasio-Cortez has campaigned nationally with Bernie Sanders and transferred $1 million to El-Sayed’s campaign; she has also described a presidential bid as “very all or nothing”. A Senate challenge to Chuck Schumer is another possibility, and a RealClearPolitics polling average places her fourth among potential Democratic contenders, at 11%.
In short
- Progressives are pressing Ocasio-Cortez to consider a 2028 presidential run.
- Her allies cite El-Sayed’s Michigan win as evidence of wider appeal.
- A Senate run is another option; she is polling at 11% among potential contenders.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that Ocasio-Cortez’s working-class appeal, small-donor fundraising and national profile give Democrats a chance to build on the midterm gains with a candidate who can mobilise voters and challenge entrenched interests. El-Sayed’s victory, they say, suggests an anti-establishment message can succeed in a competitive state, and encouraging her to run now gives voters a chance to consider that direction for the party.
The case against
Sceptics could argue that a strong midterm result does not establish that a progressive national campaign would win a presidential election, and that polling her fourth at 11% suggests substantial work lies ahead. They may also see a presidential bid as premature or divisive, and argue that pursuing a Senate challenge or building influence in Congress could be a more effective way to advance her priorities.