AOC rejected by Maoist DSA faction as 2028 speculation builds

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the New York Democrat known for her progressive policies and high-profile role in the Democratic Party, faces internal division within the Democratic Socialists of America. A hardline faction within the organization, the Liberation Caucus, a Marxist-Leninist-Maoist bloc, has publicly rejected her as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, citing concerns over her alignment with socialist principles. The Liberation Caucus issued a statement asserting that it would not endorse or support an Ocasio-Cortez campaign, claiming she has repeatedly “capitulated to the imperialists.” This stance follows a broader critique of her actions, including her failure to meet certain conditions set by DSA’s National Political Committee regarding her 2024 re-election endorsement. These conditions included opposition to Israeli military funding and support for the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement, which the committee found she had not fulfilled. The caucus further criticized Ocasio-Cortez for hosting a panel with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, which they describe as a Zionist organization. They also pointed to her recent comments suggesting that the 2020-era left-wing political movement, which she referred to as “Woke 1,” was “crazy.” Additionally, she has distanced herself from the “defund the police” movement, a stance the caucus labels as indicative of an “opportunist dilettante.” Ocasio-Cortez’s national influence appears to be growing despite these criticisms. In a July New Hampshire primary poll, she led the field of potential 2028 Democratic candidates, narrowly surpassing former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and significantly outpacing former Vice President Kamala Harris. Internally, DSA has struggled with consensus on how to approach a potential Ocasio-Cortez candidacy. The National Political Committee voted against a proposal in July that would have allowed members to determine an endorsement through an all-member poll. Instead, the decision was deferred to the existing convention process, potentially delaying any formal endorsement until the group’s national convention in August 2027. A committee member later challenged claims that the vote prevented local chapters from conducting their own polls, indicating ongoing disagreement within the organization. The Liberation Caucus highlighted the New York City chapter’s continued support for Ocasio-Cortez as evidence of a “rightist clique” protecting an elected official from accountability. The chapter has reportedly considered splitting from the national DSA rather than sever ties with her. Formed in 2025, the Liberation Caucus identifies itself as promoting “Marxism-Leninism-Maoism.” It maintains a webpage that defends Maoist historical figures and presents alternative narratives on key events, such as the Great Leap Forward famine. While acknowledging that mass starvation occurred during this period, the caucus disputes the commonly accepted attribution of the crisis to Maoist policies, instead pointing to external factors like natural disasters and the withdrawal of Soviet aid. They also question the accuracy of widely cited death tolls associated with the famine. As tensions within DSA continue, the implications for Ocasio-Cortez’s political future remain uncertain. Her ability to navigate these divisions will likely play a crucial role in shaping her trajectory toward a possible 2028 presidential run.