Ocasio-Cortez Makes Announcement About Her Future — And It’s Shaking Up the Democratic Party
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) may be preparing for her next big political leap—challenging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in 2028.
At a fiery rally in Los Angeles, joined by Sen. Bernie Sanders, AOC declared her resolve to fight “corporate greed and oligarchy,” hinting at ambitions beyond the House of Representatives.
The progressive firebrand emphasized her refusal to take lobbyist or corporate PAC money, setting the stage for a potential anti-establishment campaign.
Fueling the speculation is a new Data for Progress poll showing Ocasio-Cortez leading Schumer by a striking 19 points in a hypothetical Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in New York.
The survey, conducted in late March, revealed that 55% of likely Democratic primary voters preferred AOC, compared to 36% for Schumer.
Support for the congresswoman was strong across age, racial, and education demographics, particularly among younger voters—where she leads by 50 points.
Poll results suggest an appetite among Democratic voters for bold, progressive leadership, with 84% believing their party isn’t doing enough to push back against Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.
Ocasio-Cortez’s popularity rivals that of national figures like Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, and Elizabeth Warren, while Schumer—despite his seniority—faces growing discontent, particularly after his recent bipartisan spending deal with Republicans.
Political analysts say if AOC does run, Schumer could face an uphill battle.
Mark Halperin argues that a direct challenge from Ocasio-Cortez could force Schumer to step aside, noting that attempts to paint her as “too far left” may no longer resonate with the Democratic base.
WATCH:
AOC: Oligarchy or Democracy… but we cannot have both.
Los Angeles, I’ve made my choice. We must fight the oligarchy that has created this nightmare. That is why I have never taken money from lobbyists or corporations and it’s why I never will. pic.twitter.com/zalUt0FJSb
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 12, 2025
Though Ocasio-Cortez hasn’t officially announced her candidacy, the poll numbers—and her impassioned speeches—point toward a potential political shift that could reshape the future of Democratic leadership in the Senate.
As 2028 draws closer, all eyes will be on whether AOC makes her next move official.
