Overview
- On Sunday, August 9, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told ABC's This Week that she remains focused on winning the 2026 midterms and her House seat but has not ruled out a 2028 presidential bid.
- In the same interview she said a Senate challenge to New York Sen. Chuck Schumer in 2028 is also possible, a practical option because Schumer faces reelection that year.
- A University of New Hampshire poll shows Ocasio-Cortez leading the prospective Democratic field in New Hampshire, but that early-state advantage depends on whether the DNC keeps New Hampshire's traditional early role.
- She is campaigning with Sen. Bernie Sanders and has become a left-wing power broker who now targets open seats and state-level incumbents while using a more pragmatic tone than in 2020.
- Her decision over the next two years could reshape Democratic primary dynamics by drawing progressive energy to a national or statewide campaign and altering how the party balances insurgent and establishment forces.