Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, has emerged as a rising star in the Democratic Party, with some speculating that she could run for president in 2028.
While potential 2028 candidate announcements are likely to be a few years away, a number of recent polls show how voters are thinking about the upcoming primary, with Ocasio-Cortez emerging as one of the top few contenders.
Newsweek contacted Ocasio-Cortez’s office for comment on Sunday morning.
Why It Matters
Democrats have struggled to respond to President Donald Trump and Republicans since their loss in the 2024 election. Analysts and activists have repeatedly stated that the party lacks leadership and a clear direction.
However, Ocasio-Cortez has emerged as one of the Democrats who many believe is pushing back in a way that appeals to the party’s base.
The congresswoman has also held large rallies in several states with progressive Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent. Thousands of people attended these events, indicating that the progressive duo’s message resonates with a sizable portion of the electorate.
What Recent Polls Show
A CNN poll conducted from March 6 to 9 found that Ocasio-Cortez was the top politician among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents when asked which “one person best reflects the core values” of the party.
Ten percent of respondents mentioned the New York progressive. This was just ahead of former Vice President Kamala Harris, who was chosen by 9 percent. Sanders came in third, with 8%. The survey included 1,206 adults in the United States, with a margin of error of +/- 3.3%.
While Ocasio-Cortez is regarded as the best representative of the party’s values, a Morning Consult poll conducted from March 14 to 16 placed her third among respondents when asked who they would support in 2028.
Harris led the pack by a large double-digit margin in that survey, receiving 36% of the vote. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who ran for the party’s nomination in 2020, came in second, with 10%. Ocasio-Cortez received half of Buttigieg’s support, or 5%.
She was tied for third with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate in 2024, and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Mark Cuban, a billionaire, was just 4 percent behind. The poll included 2,210 registered voters and had a margin of error of +/- 2 percentage points.
Another recent Echelon Insights poll, conducted between March 10 and 13, with 457 likely voters, yielded similar results. Harris was at 33%, while Ocasio-Cortez was at 7%, tied with Newsom. Buttigieg was in second place with ten percent. The poll surveyed 1,007 registered voters and had a margin of error of +/-3.5 percentage points.
McLaughlin & Associates polled 414 likely voters in late January and found Harris to be at 33%. Ocasio-Cortez was at 6%, trailing Buttigieg (9%) and Newsom (7%).
What People Are Saying
At a rally in Las Vegas on Thursday, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said, “This isn’t just about Republicans. We also need a Democratic Party that will fight harder for us. But this means that as a community, we must choose and vote for Democrats and elected officials who understand how to advocate for the working class.”
Mary Ann Bennett, who attended Ocasio-Cortez’s Denver rally with Sanders on Friday, told Newsweek that the Democratic Party has not taken strong actions for the working class.
Bernie and AOC acknowledged this, which is step one, and then laid out their plans for action, which drew enthusiastic applause from the 30,000 attendees. Those were the moments when I felt most empowered and prepared to fight for my neighbors.”
Monica Crowley, a former Treasury Department official during the first Trump administration, told Fox News in November: “Just a word of caution to the Republicans, my party: Do not underestimate AOC. “She is young, vibrant, and attractive.”
What Happens Next?
Democrats interested in running in 2028 are not expected to make an official announcement until 2027, though someone may do so sooner.
Buttigieg, Newsom, and several other prominent Democratic governors are said to be considering runs. While Harris is widely expected to run for president again, she is also reportedly considering running for governor of California in the 2026 election.
