Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Considers 2028 Presidential Run, Weighing Race and Gender
The New York congresswoman revealed personal factors, including her identity and family plans, that could influence her decision on a potential White House bid.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is evaluating her future political path, including a potential 2028 presidential campaign, and is considering personal factors such as her race and gender in her calculations. The 36-year-old congresswoman, who represents parts of the Bronx and Queens, stated that she will make a decision about her political future, which could include a run for the U.S. Senate or remaining in her House district, after this year's midterm elections.
"Every element of this is something that's within consideration," Ocasio-Cortez told The New York Times. She indicated that her age, plans to start a family, and the viability of her political movement are all part of her decision-making process. Ocasio-Cortez publicly announced in August that she was freezing her eggs, a decision she has linked to her approaching 37th birthday and the timing of a potential presidential campaign alongside personal life choices.
Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged the historical context of women in presidential politics, noting that the United States has never elected a female president. "This country has never elected a female president. Why are we pretending that this is not a factor?" she asked.
She expressed hesitation to discuss race and gender, fearing such comments might be perceived as excuses for potential electoral setbacks. However, she stated that if she seriously considers a presidential bid, she cannot ignore these realities. "It's funny because it's kind of like, everyone else is allowed to talk about it, but I'm not?"
Ocasio-Cortez, the daughter of a Puerto Rican immigrant, is one of the Democratic Party's most prominent Latina politicians and progressive voices. She noted the scrutiny women in politics face, referencing a viral video of herself that attracted numerous sexualized comments. She also pointed to the electoral outcomes of Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris, the only women to win the Democratic presidential nomination, both of whom lost the general election.
"I absolutely empathize with the heartbreak people feel around that, and how those women were treated," Ocasio-Cortez said.
Recent polling indicates challenges for Ocasio-Cortez on a national level. A New York Times/Siena poll showed that fewer than 1 percent of Republicans viewed her favorably, with 75 percent expressing unfavorable opinions. Among all likely voters, 30 percent held favorable views, while 41 percent were unfavorable. Nationally, Ocasio-Cortez's average support in Democratic presidential primary polls is 11 percent, trailing Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, and Pete Buttigieg.
Ocasio-Cortez also suggested that a presidential run would be a high-stakes endeavor for her, stating, "If I were to run in this cycle, and not win, I would be done."