AOC inches toward decision about 2028 presidential run

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, more commonly known as AOC, seemingly gave one of the clearest signals yet that a future presidential run may be on the table. Speaking alongside featured fellow Democratic Rep. Paul Tonko at a town hall in Plattsburgh, New York, over the weekend, Ocasio-Cortez left open the possibility of a 2028 White House campaign. Knewz.com has learned that the event, held in the district of Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, drew an energized crowd.

‘This is a crazy time’

The moment came when a 10-year-old attendee named Finnegan pressed AOC about the big question: “I want to know if you’re going to run for president.” In her reply, AOC avoided confirming her plans for a presidential run but did not entirely discard the possibility either. “Finnegan, this is a crazy time. I don’t know. We’ll see. But I know with support from people like you, it makes me feel like I can do anything,” she replied. The moment sparked cheers from the crowd and intensified speculation about her national ambitions. With Senator Bernie Sanders confirming he will not run again in 2028, many in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party are looking to Ocasio-Cortez, now 35, as a potential successor.

AOC might step in as the new progressive standard bearer

In an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, Senator Sanders acknowledged his age and said he doubted voters would support another run. “I am 83 years of age. I’m not sure the American people would be too enthusiastic,” he said at the time. That context has fueled speculation that AOC, now 35, could step into the role Sanders once filled as the progressive standard-bearer. She has consistently drawn national attention since entering Congress in 2019, and her messaging has aligned with many of the same priorities championed by Sanders including Medicare for All, the Green New Deal and student debt relief.

AOC does not have any official presidential campaign plans yet

While many in the political world see AOC as Sanders’s natural heir and a leading contender to shape the party’s leftward future, people in her circuit have revealed that she is not actively exploring the idea of a presidential run. However, she is not completely against it either. “She’s more not focused on running for president than she is uninterested in it,” an anonymous source close to AOC’s camp previously said.

Presidential frontrunners in the Democratic camp, as of now

The Democratic primary for the 2028 presidential race remains wide open, with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg holding a narrow lead over former Vice President Kamala Harris, according to a recent poll. The poll placed California Governor Gavin Newsom at 12%, while Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez each hold 7%. Notably, 23% of Democratic voters remain undecided, indicating that the race is still fluid and could shift significantly in the coming months. It is worth noting that Buttigieg’s narrow lead suggests that no single figure has yet managed to galvanize broad Democratic support in the way Biden did during his 2020 run.

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