Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stated she has not ruled out a 2028 presidential run during an Aug. 9 appearance on ABC News' "This Week." When asked by host Jonathan Karl about a July University of New Hampshire poll that placed her at the top of the potential Democratic primary field in that state, Ocasio-Cortez remarked that she is humbled by the support but emphasized that her focus remains on the midterms rather than individual aspirations. She added that it is important to avoid getting sidetracked by future plans.
The congresswoman also addressed the possibility of challenging fellow New York Democrat and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, whose seat is up for reelection in 2028, noting that "anything is possible at this juncture." Speculation regarding a potential run has intensified as progressive candidates continue to gain traction within the Democratic Party during the second Trump term. In a June interview on "The Michael Knowles Show," Vice President JD Vance identified Ocasio-Cortez as the leading potential Democratic candidate for 2028. Additionally, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed interest in her potential candidacy during a July interview with the New York Times.
Ocasio-Cortez has previously sought to clarify her political goals, telling Democratic strategist David Axelrod at a May event in Chicago that her ambition is not tied to a specific title or seat, but rather to "change this country." Her recent comments follow the primary victory of progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed over Rep. Hayley Stevens, a candidate supported by Schumer and other party leadership. Ocasio-Cortez described this as a time of renewal for the Democratic Party, highlighting a new wave of independent candidates who "answer to no master." She argued that because these newcomers are not beholden to corporate interests or party bosses, they are more responsive to their constituents.
Beyond her political future, Ocasio-Cortez spoke about her decision to freeze her eggs, a personal choice she announced via social media on Aug. 8. During the interview, she explained that the Trump administration's ongoing attacks on access to reproductive healthcare were a factor in her decision to undergo the procedure.
