AOC Doesn't Rule Out 2028 Presidential Run

The congresswoman discussed a potential wealth tax but did not confirm or deny presidential ambitions.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did not rule out a possible presidential run in 2028 during her appearance at the Munich Security Conference on Friday. When asked by an interviewer if she plans to impose a wealth tax if she becomes president, Ocasio-Cortez said a wealth tax should be implemented 'expeditiously' but did not confirm or deny whether she would run for president.

Why it matters

Ocasio-Cortez is considered a rising star in the Democratic party, and her potential presidential ambitions have been the subject of much speculation. Her comments at the Munich Security Conference have reignited discussions about her political future and the possibility of a 2028 presidential run.

The details

During the interview, the interviewer asked Ocasio-Cortez if she plans to impose a wealth tax - a tax on an individual's assets and net worth - if she becomes president. Ocasio-Cortez did not directly answer the question, but said a wealth tax should be imposed 'expeditiously.' Many political analysts have speculated about Ocasio-Cortez's potential plans to enter the 2028 presidential primary, and a CNN/SSRS poll from March 2025 found that most Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents believed Ocasio-Cortez was the leader 'who best reflects the core values' of their party.

  • Ocasio-Cortez made the comments during her appearance at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, February 13, 2026.
  • In October 2025, Ocasio-Cortez dodged a question by MS NOW's Chris Hayes on whether she threatened to launch a primary challenge against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer if he reopened the government.

The players

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Democratic New York Congresswoman who did not rule out a possible presidential run in 2028.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader, whom Ocasio-Cortez was rumored to potentially challenge in a primary if he reopened the government.

Gavin Newsom

Democratic California Governor who has also been considered a potential candidate in the 2028 presidential race.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think that we have to wait for any one president to impose a wealth tax, I think that it needs to be done expeditiously.”

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Congresswoman (CNN)

What’s next

Ocasio-Cortez has not publicly revealed her future political ambitions. Political analysts will likely continue to speculate about her potential 2028 presidential run.

The takeaway

Ocasio-Cortez's comments at the Munich Security Conference have reignited discussions about her political future and the possibility of a 2028 presidential run. As a rising star in the Democratic party, her potential ambitions will likely be closely watched in the coming years.