Ocasio-Cortez Plans 2028 Senate or Presidential Bid with Progressive Allies

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is emerging as a significant figure in progressive American politics with ambitions toward higher office, potentially targeting the U.S. Senate or presidency by 2028. She has been actively building her political operation, including hiring advisers from Senator Bernie Sanders's team and expanding her online presence, while maintaining authenticity and strong fundraising capabilities. AOC's political strategy includes a cautious but growing alliance with Zohran Mamdani, a fellow democratic socialist and New York State Assembly member whose mayoral campaign she eventually endorsed despite initial reservations about his viability. This alliance has energized the left and represents a test case for progressive politics in New York, though it has also exposed tensions within the Democratic Party, with leaders like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries hesitant to fully endorse Mamdani due to his pro-Palestine stance and opposition from more centrist Democrats. Meanwhile, AOC faces sharp criticism from political opponents and some within Congress, reflecting deep partisan divides, but her prominence continues to grow amid frequent attacks from Republicans including President Donald Trump, signaling her influence in the national political arena. These developments underscore AOC's complex role as a polarizing but pivotal figure in shaping the future trajectory of the Democratic Party and progressive policy agendas.