There is a lot of speculation about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s future, as reports—and rumors—indicate the New York socialist is considering higher office.
Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has made changes to her political team as speculation grows over what role she may seek in the 2028 election cycle.
Axios reported Aug. 28 that Ocasio-Cortez had “shaken up” her team ahead of a future decision about 2028, although the report did not identify which staff positions were affected or who may be joining or leaving her operation.
The report also did not specify what prompted the changes or how extensive the restructuring may be.
The timing has nevertheless fueled speculation about Ocasio-Cortez’s political ambitions as Democrats begin looking ahead to the 2028 presidential election and other potential races.
Ocasio-Cortez and her office have not publicly detailed the personnel changes or explained whether they are connected to any specific future campaign.
The Axios report linked the staffing changes to a forthcoming “2028 decision,” but did not specify whether Ocasio-Cortez is considering a presidential campaign, a Senate bid or another political move.
The report also did not include direct comments from Ocasio-Cortez or her representatives explaining the changes, leaving the purpose of the restructuring unclear.
Ocasio-Cortez was recently photographed speaking at a “Defend the Vote” rally at the Lincoln Memorial marking the 63rd anniversary of the March on Washington.
While the appearance underscored her continued national profile, the report did not establish any connection between the rally and the changes to her political team.
For now, the confirmed development is that Ocasio-Cortez has retooled her operation as attention increasingly turns toward her plans for 2028.
AOC in July was maintaining the possibility of running for president in 2028 after a recent survey revealed the New York Democrat as the top pick among potential Democratic contenders.
When Fox News Digital asked her if she wanted to run for the Democratic nomination in 2028, she avoided answering.
“I have genuinely not really weighed seriously anything past the midterm elections,” Ocasio-Cortez told Fox News Digital when asked if she is interested in a run.
“I think that I’m taking in this information just like anybody else,” Ocasio-Cortez added.
When Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, is up for reelection in two years, the progressive House Democrat has frequently considered running for both the presidency and the Senate.
Ocasio-Cortez has supported several socialists who have beaten both incumbents and establishment Democrats in their primaries.
Ocasio-Cortez has vaulted to the top of the early 2028 Democratic presidential field in New Hampshire, narrowly edging out former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg while leaving former Vice President Kamala Harris languishing far behind in a new University of New Hampshire poll.
Ocasio-Cortez captured 22% support among likely Democratic primary voters in the Granite State Poll released Wednesday, one point ahead of the more moderate Buttigieg and a full 17 points ahead of Harris.
AOC gained seven points since the February survey, even as Harris and California Gov. Gavin Newsom saw their support erode — further evidence of Ocasio-Cortez’s rising influence among the Democratic base in this key early battleground state and her growing stature on the party’s left flank.
When pressed further on a potential run for higher office, Ocasio-Cortez previously declared that her goal is to “change the country,” which – based on her politics – means getting rid of the founding constitutional representative republic and replacing it with hard-left government-heavy socialism.
Buttigieg, the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor who finished second in the 2020 New Hampshire primary as a relative moderate, has also spent the past year traveling the country to boost fellow Democrats amid mounting speculation about a possible 2028 campaign of his own.
“Nearly half of socialists and one-third of progressives support Ocasio-Cortez, while pluralities of liberals and moderates support Buttigieg,” Andrew Smith, the director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, said.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
