Kamala Harris Teases Comeback with AOC as VP

A Harris-Ocasio-Cortez ticket could be the GOP's best-case scenario in 2028, says political analyst.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Former Vice President Kamala Harris is hinting at a potential 2028 presidential run, with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as her running mate. While some Democrats see this as a way to energize the party's base, political analysts warn it could play right into Republican hands.

Why it matters

A Harris-Ocasio-Cortez ticket would likely face an uphill battle, as Harris was soundly defeated by former President Trump in 2024. The pairing could motivate Republican voters and alienate crucial swing voters, potentially handing the White House to the GOP in 2028.

The details

Harris, who served as Vice President under President Tim Walz, is reportedly considering a comeback bid for the presidency in 2028. She is said to be eyeing Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) as a potential running mate, in an effort to energize the party's progressive wing. However, some political analysts believe this could be the GOP's best-case scenario, as Harris carries significant baggage from her failed 2024 campaign.

  • In 2024, Harris was defeated by former President Donald Trump.
  • Boston Mayor Michelle Wu was re-elected in 2025 without opposition.
  • Harris is currently on a book tour, hinting at a potential 2028 run.

The players

Kamala Harris

Former Vice President under President Tim Walz, who is considering a 2028 presidential run.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Congresswoman from New York, who Harris is reportedly considering as a potential running mate.

Michelle Wu

The mayor of Boston, who some Democrats see as a refreshing alternative to Ocasio-Cortez as a running mate.

JD Vance

The current Vice President, who is expected to be the Republican nominee in 2028.

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What they’re saying

“A Kamala Harris-Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez presidential ticket is gaining some traction among desperate Democrats but it could be the best case scenario for Republicans in 2028.”

— Joe Battenfeld, Political Analyst (bostonherald.com)

“If you're going to put someone from heavily Democratic New York on the ticket, you might as well go to deep blue Massachusetts and end up with a better candidate.”

— Joe Battenfeld, Political Analyst (bostonherald.com)

What’s next

Harris is expected to make a decision on a potential 2028 run in the coming months, as she continues her book tour and outreach to younger voters.

The takeaway

The potential Harris-Ocasio-Cortez ticket highlights the challenges facing the Democratic Party as it seeks to rebound from its 2024 defeat. While the pairing may energize the party's progressive base, it could also alienate crucial swing voters and hand the GOP an easy path to victory in 2028.