A growing wave of attention is building around a possible 2028 presidential run by New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). Fox News host Laura Ingraham shared a strong claim on X, saying Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is creating “the most powerful political operation since Barack Obama.” Her post has gained wide attention because it suggests a major shift inside the political world.
Ingraham shared a video where AOC talked about raising enough money to donate 1,600 Thanksgiving turkeys to families in the Bronx. Although the video focused on holiday giving, the host suggested it showed a much larger and well-organized effort. AOC, now 36, is old enough to run for president and has become a major voice inside the Democratic Party.
Talk about her possible run arrives at a moment of uncertainty. Many are still guessing who will enter the first presidential race without Donald Trump, unless he decides to challenge tradition and attempt a third run, something he has hinted at before. Democrats are also working through internal debates after a painful loss last November, leaving the field wide open.
Names such as Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris have been discussed as possible contenders. Now, AOC is being added to that list as a potential strong challenger.
2028 Watch: Ocasio-Cortez Gains Momentum as Schumer’s Base Weakens After Shutdown Compromise
Growing Signs of a National Operation
This is not the first time talk of a 2028 run has appeared. In September, Axios reported that people familiar with AOC’s team believe she is preparing for either a presidential run or a U.S. Senate campaign in 2028. Axios also reported that she has spent millions of dollars this year on social media to grow her supporter base and reach more possible donors. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez now has more than 36.7 million followers across all platforms, giving her one of the biggest online audiences among Democrats.
An ABC News analysis found that AOC has been visiting key battleground states. These states often decide presidential elections. Others noted in the analysis included Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, and California representative Ro Khanna. AOC visited Arizona in March during the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour with independent senator Bernie Sanders, and she also visited Nevada in the same month.
A recent poll imagining a future matchup showed Newsom ahead with 36 percent when placed against Vice President JD Vance. In another imagined race, AOC tied Vance at 34 percent each. This suggests AOC already has strong national recognition among voters.
On the Republican side, Vance is currently the favorite in early polling for his party’s nomination. Other names that may consider running include Ron DeSantis, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Ted Cruz.
Newsweek reached out to AOC’s office for comment, but the request came outside normal working hours.
Reactions From Political Figures and Commentators
Reactions to the growing buzz have come from many well-known figures. Laura Ingraham warned fellow Republicans on X that “AOC is positioning herself to run for president in 2028.” She said that while Republicans “fight amongst yourselves,” AOC is building a powerful political operation.
When asked by Axios if AOC would be a strong candidate, Bernie Sanders said he believed she would. A longtime Sanders aide, Ari Rabin-Havt, told Axios that AOC may have a supporter base even wider than Sanders’. He noted that she has been in the national spotlight from the first day of her career, giving her experience that many others are still trying to build.
Political commentator Chris Cillizza wrote in his newsletter that “AOC would be INSANE not to run for president in 2028.” He argued that her national attention, digital reach, and grassroots fundraising all make her a serious potential contender.
Inside the Democratic Party, AOC’s next step could shape ongoing debates about direction. The party is currently split between leaders calling for a middle-ground approach and others inspired by progressives such as Zohran Mamdani, who recently won New York City’s mayoral election.
For now, AOC has not said what she will do next. Reports say she is still deciding her future path, and her choice continues to draw national interest.
