## AOC Gains Momentum Amidst Rising Speculation and Shifting Political Landscape
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has been traversing the nation alongside Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., on a “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, fueling widespread speculation about her potential entry into the 2028 presidential race.
Recent activity from Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign further amplified these rumors. A video released this week showcased the congresswoman – a prominent voice within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party – declaring “We are one,” sparking considerable online discussion.
“I’m a girl from the Bronx,” Ocasio-Cortez stated during a rally-style event in Idaho. “To be welcomed here in this state, all of us together, seeing our common cause—this is what this country is all about.”
The possibility of an AOC presidential bid has gained significant traction among political analysts. Nate Silver, founder of FiveThirtyEight and a respected pollster, recently indicated that Ocasio-Cortez is currently the leading contender for the Democratic nomination in 2028. In a collaborative projection with Galen Druke, Silver identified Ocasio-Cortez as his preferred choice to lead the party’s presidential ticket.
“I think there’s a lot of points in her favor at this very moment,” Druke noted. “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has broad appeal across the Democratic Party.”
Social media platforms are abuzz with speculation, as users share the video and express their anticipation for a potential 2028 campaign. One political reporter commented: “Get ready America. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will almost undoubtedly run for president in 2028.”
While national attention focuses on Ocasio-Cortez’s rising profile, shifts are also occurring within her home state of New York. A recent Siena College poll revealed a decline in the favorability rating of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, currently standing at 39% among surveyed New York voters. Conversely, Ocasio-Cortez’s favorability rose to 47%, suggesting an increasing appeal amongst Democratic constituents.
Schumer’s recent support for a Republican budget bill – aimed at averting a government shutdown and backed by President Donald Trump – drew criticism from within the Democratic Party, contributing to this shift in public perception. The poll appears to reflect growing dissatisfaction among Democrats regarding his stance.
Adding another layer of complexity, DNC Vice Chair David Hogg faced repercussions this week for Leaders We Deserve, his political arm, investing $20 million into supporting younger Democrat candidates in safe House districts.
Republican strategist Colin Reed believes that Ocasio-Cortez shouldn’t be underestimated by those within the Democratic Party who might oppose her ambitions. “She should not be discounted,” he said, “by Democrats who are standing in her way of running for whichever office she decides to seek – whether as a U.S. senator or President of the United States.”
Despite their national tour and heightened visibility, Reed questioned the viability of Ocasio-Cortez’s platform on a wider scale. He argued that while her progressive ideas resonate with a portion of the Democratic base, they are “way too outside the mainstream to ever be electable at a nationwide level.”
“Ultimately,” Reed explained, “in a Democratic base there’s always going to be a percentage of voters who are drawn to that message. The issue is it’s just not the majority of Americans. The majority of Americans don’t want to transform our country into some sort of ‘European-style government rules all’ vision.”
With Democrats struggling to define a unified message and identify a clear leader following recent Republican gains, Reed suggests an opportunity exists for the party to reclaim control of the national narrative.
“Chaos loves a vacuum, and right now, there is a vacuum in leadership in the Democratic Party and thus chaos is ruling the roost,” Reed said.
He further criticized the perceived hypocrisy of Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez, highlighting their travel via private jets while advocating for climate action.
