Democratic socialists boost AOC for White House run after left-wing group helped elect Mamdani as NYC mayor
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the left-wing group whose backing helped propel Zohran Mamdani into City Hall as New York City's mayor, is now channelling its energy behind Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a potential candidate for the White House in 2028. Buoyed by Mamdani's success in the mayoral race, the organisation sees Ocasio-Cortez as its strongest vehicle for pushing socialist policies onto the national stage, marking a significant escalation of the DSA's ambitions beyond city and congressional politics into presidential-level contention.
The push reflects growing confidence among democratic socialists that grassroots organising and a clear left-wing platform can translate into electoral wins at the highest levels of American politics, following Mamdani's upset victory. Ocasio-Cortez, who has represented parts of New York in Congress since 2019 and remains one of the most prominent progressive voices in the Democratic Party, has not formally declared any presidential intentions, but the DSA's endorsement signals an organised effort to build support for her well ahead of the 2028 election cycle.
- DSA rallies behind AOC for a possible 2028 presidential bid
- Momentum follows Mamdani's DSA-backed win as NYC mayor
- Move signals socialist push into national US politics
New here? Start with this
Democratic socialists boost AOC for White House run after left-wing group helped elect Mamdani as NYC mayor
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is a left-wing political organisation that campaigns for socialist policies within American politics, often by backing candidates who run as Democrats. It has grown its influence over the past decade, helping elect members to Congress and city government on platforms focused on issues such as housing, healthcare and workers' rights.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, often known as AOC, is a Democratic congresswoman from New York who has been in office since 2019 and is one of the most recognisable progressive figures in American politics. Zohran Mamdani is a New York politician who recently won election as the city's mayor with DSA support, a result seen by many on the left as proof that socialist-backed candidates can win significant races.