AOC Declines to Rule Out 2028 White House Bid, Possible Schumer Challenge

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) declined to rule out a run for president or a Senate primary challenge against fellow New York Democrat Chuck Schumer during an appearance Sunday on ABC's "This Week."

Asked directly by host Jonathan Karl whether she plans to run for president in 2028, Ocasio-Cortez initially deflected. "I'm focused on winning the midterms. I'm running for Congress right now," she said. Pressed further, she added, "I haven't ruled out the possibility. And I'm very humbled to the tremendous amount of support out there," while saying that her immediate focus remains the November midterms.

On the question of a potential Senate bid against Schumer, Ocasio-Cortez similarly kept her options open, telling Karl "anything is possible at this juncture."

The remarks come as socialists surge within the Democrat party and Ocasio-Cortez's political standing continues to draw national attention. A July University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll showed her leading the field of potential 2028 Democratic presidential primary candidates. New Hampshire traditionally holds one of the first primary contests in the presidential nominating calendar.

Closer to home, a Siena College poll conducted in mid-April found Schumer's favorability among New York voters at 39%, while Ocasio-Cortez's favorability stood at 47%.

Ocasio-Cortez has fielded similar questions about her political future in recent months while campaigning for congressional candidates ahead of the midterms, and has consistently declined to close the door on higher office.