Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Democratic Socialist figurehead from New York City, has sparked discussion with her recent remarks on her future political plans.
During a session at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics last Friday, Ocasio-Cortez was questioned by David Axelrod, a renowned strategist from the Obama era, about her intentions for higher office in 2028.
Ocasio-Cortez responded, “People often think my goals are tied to a specific position,” she elaborated, “They think I’m after a title or a seat, but my ambition is much more profound. I aim to transform this country.”
She went on to outline a vision of socialist policies she hopes to see implemented nationwide.
“Leaders come and go, whether they are presidents or members of the Senate and House, but single-payer healthcare is permanent,” she stated, drawing applause from the audience.
“A living wage is permanent. Workers’ rights endure. Women’s rights endure. All of these do,” she emphasized.
‘When you aren’t attached. When you haven’t been like fantasizing about being this or that since the time you were seven years old, it is tremendously liberating,’ the New York Democrat continued, adding, ‘Because I get to wake up every day and say, ‘How am I going to meet the moment?’
There is growing speculation that in 2028 Ocasio-Cortez may seek the White House. Another possibility is that she runs for the Senate if current Democratic minority leader Chuck Schumer decides not to go for another term or if she decides to face him in a primary.
New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez discusses the filibuster with David Axelrod during a conversation hosted by the University of Chicago Institute of Politics on May 8, 2026
Senator Bernie Sanders, left, New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, center, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appear on stage during a rally for Mamdani on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in New York
In a March poll by Daily Mail and JL Partners, Ocasio-Cortez garnered the support of 7 percent of Democratic primary voters in a field of potential 2028 candidates.
Former Vice President and 2024 Democrat nominee Harris received support from 23 percent of likely Democratic primary voters, with 19 percent selecting California governor Gavin Newsom as their top choice.
The only other Democrat receiving double digits in the poll was former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and past 2020 White House hopeful, who has moved to Michigan but still does frequent cable news appearances.
Buttigieg registered 10 percent. Another 10 percent of Democratic voters said they were unsure.
Candidates are unlikely to start officially announcing 2028 runs for another year.
Ocasio-Cortez discusses the filibuster with David Axelrod during a conversation hosted by the University of Chicago Institute of Politics on May 8, 2026
Ocasio-Cortez also garnered attention earlier this spring when she was hit with an ethics complaint alleging she used campaign funds to pay for ketamine therapy.
The National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), a conservative non-profit, has submitted a complaint claiming the New York Rep. spent more than $19,000 of the funds on sessions with psychiatrist Dr. Brian W. Boyle in 2025.
The complaint was been filed to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC), as well as the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC).
Four separate expenditures by Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign sent to Dr Boyle were designated as ‘leadership training and consulting,’ per FEC records.
The complaint alleges that the funds were ‘expended instead for personal psychiatric services provided to AOC or members of her campaign staff.’
‘Accordingly, those expenses were also misreported by the campaign committee with the FEC,’ the complaint stated.
