AOC's Allies Lay Groundwork for 2028 Presidential Bid

Hard-left Democrats reportedly pushing Ocasio-Cortez to run, as progressives seek to control party's direction

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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According to a report from Axios, allies of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are quietly laying the groundwork for a potential 2028 presidential run by the New York congresswoman. While Ocasio-Cortez herself has not expressed interest, progressive activists view her as a successor to Sen. Bernie Sanders and are working to position her as the standard-bearer for the party's left flank, even if she ultimately decides to run for the U.S. Senate instead.

Why it matters

The push to draft Ocasio-Cortez reflects a broader power struggle within the Democratic Party, as the progressive wing seeks to wrest control of the party's direction from the establishment. Even if Ocasio-Cortez does not run for president, the effort underscores the left's desire to field a candidate who can carry on Sanders' legacy and shape the party's policy priorities.

The details

Allies of Ocasio-Cortez claim she could poll in the top five of candidates and raise well over $100 million in campaign funds if she runs. The effort is less about her policy credentials and more about inheritance, with some Democrats viewing her as a replacement for the candidacy of the aging Sen. Bernie Sanders. Ari Rabin-Havt, a deputy campaign manager for Sanders in 2020, said Ocasio-Cortez "has earned her place as the top dog" for the hard left. Other potential successors to Sanders, such as Rep. Ro Khanna and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, have also been floated, but none command the social media presence and cultural cachet that Ocasio-Cortez enjoys.

  • The push to draft Ocasio-Cortez for a 2028 presidential run is currently underway.

The players

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A U.S. Representative from New York's 14th congressional district and a rising star in the Democratic Party's progressive wing.

Bernie Sanders

A U.S. Senator from Vermont and the godfather of the Democratic Party's left flank, who electrified progressives in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.

Ari Rabin-Havt

A deputy campaign manager for Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign.

Ro Khanna

A U.S. Representative from California's 17th congressional district and a potential successor to Bernie Sanders.

Chris Van Hollen

A U.S. Senator from Maryland who has also been floated as a possible successor to Bernie Sanders.

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What they’re saying

“If she does run, she obviously becomes the biggest star and sucks up the oxygen in that lane.”

— Ari Rabin-Havt, Deputy campaign manager for Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign (Axios)

“You have to give Ro credit: He's worked his ass off to put himself in this position and has done what's most comparable to Bernie pre-Bernie 2016.”

— Ari Rabin-Havt, Deputy campaign manager for Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign (Axios)

The takeaway

The push to draft Ocasio-Cortez for a 2028 presidential run reflects a broader power struggle within the Democratic Party, as the progressive wing seeks to wrest control of the party's direction from the establishment. Even if Ocasio-Cortez does not run, the effort underscores the left's desire to field a candidate who can carry on Sanders' legacy and shape the party's policy priorities.