Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says she hasn’t ruled out 2028 presidential run, talks about freezing her eggs

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent figure in the U.S. Democratic Party, stated on Sunday that she has not ruled out seeking the presidency or a Senate seat in New York in 2028. Speaking during an appearance on ABC’s This Week, Ocasio-Cortez emphasized her current focus on winning the upcoming midterm elections, where she is running for Congress. However, she acknowledged the possibility of pursuing higher office in the future. When pressed by host Jonathan Karl about a potential presidential bid, Ocasio-Cortez said, “I haven’t ruled out the possibility.” She expressed gratitude for the widespread support she receives but reiterated that her immediate priority is securing victory in November. Karl also inquired whether she would consider challenging Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in New York, to which she replied, “I think that anything is possible at this juncture.” Ocasio-Cortez’s political trajectory has long been a topic of discussion, particularly given her influence in endorsing progressive candidates who have achieved notable successes against more established opponents. Recently, Abdul El-Sayed, a candidate who opposed funding for Israel and advocated for “Medicare for All,” defeated Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary. This victory was partly attributed to Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement and the support of Senator Bernie Sanders, who had previously run for president as a progressive alternative to mainstream Democrats. Ocasio-Cortez viewed El-Sayed’s win as indicative of a broader shift within the Democratic Party. She described it as a sign of a “time of renewal” for the party, emphasizing the growing influence of younger voters. “We have really an ascendance of a young, inspiring, exciting electorate, energizing wave of candidates that I think really inject a new energy to the Democratic Party and add to the toolbox of candidates that we have to win the midterm elections hopefully in November,” she said. Her comments came amid speculation about who might succeed Sanders in the progressive wing of the party, as the senator has largely ruled out another presidential run in 2028. Ocasio-Cortez, who has frequently campaigned alongside Sanders, appears to be a potential successor, having worked closely with him to advocate for policies such as Medicare for All and opposition to corporate interests. Reflecting on her political journey since her 2018 election, Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the impact of representing her district and the challenges of trying to improve the country. “It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be able to represent the working people of my congressional district,” she said. She noted how being in the political arena has shaped her views and reinforced her commitment to achieving universal healthcare and other progressive goals. Beyond her political ambitions, Ocasio-Cortez also discussed a personal milestone, freezing her eggs, which she shared publicly on social media. While detailing the process on Instagram, she explained the significance of making such a personal decision public, though specific reasons were not elaborated upon. Ocasio-Cortez’s statements suggest that while she is currently focused on the midterms, the prospect of a 2028 run remains open. Her evolving political strategy includes endorsing candidates in open races and avoiding direct confrontations with fellow Democrats in primary contests. This approach reflects a more pragmatic stance compared to her earlier, more radical positions. As the Democratic Party continues to navigate its direction, Ocasio-Cortez’s potential moves in 2028 could significantly influence the party’s landscape. Her ability to balance personal decisions with political ambitions underscores her role as a key figure in shaping the future of Democratic politics.