Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been largely absent from general-election campaigning, and some Democrats in competitive races have indicated they do not want her to campaign with them. The article says the reluctance reflects concern that Republicans could use her progressive record and public profile against candidates, while raising questions about how she might broaden her appeal if she seeks the presidency in 2028.

Montana candidate Sam Forstag said he did not plan to bring in many campaigners from outside the state, and his campaign removed Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement from its website. New York candidate Cait Conley has said she would not campaign with her, though Republican Mike Lawler has tried to link them in campaign attacks. Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed featured Ocasio-Cortez in nearly $1 million of primary adverts, but has largely stopped doing so since winning the nomination; his campaign says it would still welcome her back.