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Is There a Left Candidate for President?
Progressives are looking for a candidate to carry their movement into the 2028 presidential race, but no clear successor to Bernie Sanders has emerged. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is considering a run, though strategists say she could instead challenge Chuck Schumer for his New York Senate seat; her former spokesperson says filling the progressive lane is not her responsibility.
Several familiar Democrats are being discussed as potential contenders, including Cory Booker, Pete Buttigieg, Kamala Harris, Chris Van Hollen and Josh Shapiro, while Jon Ossoff has said he is not planning to run. Ro Khanna is the most progressive figure openly weighing a bid, but some leftists question his record and wealth. A Working Families Party spokesperson says the populist lane remains open for someone to claim.
In short
- Progressives lack a clear 2028 presidential standard-bearer.
- Ocasio-Cortez may consider a presidential or Senate run.
- Ro Khanna is weighing a bid but faces left-wing scepticism.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Progressives have reason to seek a presidential candidate who can press for stronger action on inequality, workers’ rights and other priorities that they believe established Democratic leaders have not sufficiently advanced. With no clear successor to Bernie Sanders, an open field could give figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or Ro Khanna a chance to build a coalition around that agenda and make it a more prominent part of the party’s debate.
The case against
A candidate’s value is not determined solely by how clearly they occupy the progressive lane: winning broader support and governing effectively may require compromise and attention to voters beyond the movement. Potential contenders may also have stronger reasons to pursue other roles, while doubts about their records or appeal suggest that progressives should not assume any one figure can unite the movement or lead it nationally.