One of the nation’s largest gatherings of democratic socialists on Saturday launched the recruitment of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the 2028 presidential race, calling her candidacy “an enormous opportunity” to deliver the party’s agenda.
The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America voted overwhelmingly to endorse Ms. Ocasio-Cortez for president.
The DSA chapter voted 291-123 on the resolution, which declares the chapter will “support efforts to encourage Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) to run for President, including but not limited to petitions and pledge campaigns, public communications, financial support and participation in left coalitions working toward that goal.”
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The DSA chapter’s vote took place at a meeting to set the socialist group’s legislative and political road map ahead of 2028.
The chapter endorsed Ms. Ocasio-Cortez following significant victories for the DSA in the Nov. 3 elections.
Six DSA-endorsed lawmakers won seats in the House. The new lawmakers will join Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, New York Democrat, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Michigan Democrat, in the party’s socialist wing.
Candidates backed by the DSA won other Nov. 3 races, among them Nithya Raman, who defeated Democrat Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral race.
According to The New York Times, the New York City DSA chapter has tripled in size since the election of democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, 37, is weighing her 2028 options. In addition to considering a White House bid, she’s eyeing the New York Senate seat held by fellow Democrat and Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer.
Ms. Ocasio-Cortez is a member of the New York City chapter of the DSA and backs socialist policies including the Green New Deal, government-run healthcare, free childcare, tuition-free college and taxing the wealthy.
She also aligns with the DSA’s position opposing all U.S. military aid to Israel.
The Washington Times reached out to the DSA and Ms. Ocasio-Cortez.
Ms. Ocasio-Cortez ranks in the top three among Democrats in early 2028 Democratic primary polling.
The most recent Democratic primary poll released by Economist/YouGov showed Ms. Ocasio-Cortez with 13% of the vote, trailing former Vice President Kamala Harris’ 18% and California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 14%.
Correction: An earlier version of this article misspelled the name of DSA-backed candidate Nithya Raman.
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