Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) recently addressed chants of "AOC for president!" from an audience member during an event in Poughkeepsie, New York. The congresswoman, who is considered a potential contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, paused and smiled before responding, "I’m gonna need us to focus."
Ocasio-Cortez has previously stated that her focus is on the upcoming November elections. When asked in September about potential presidential or Senate runs, she remarked, "Our next election is in November. 2028 is two years away." However, she did not rule out future candidacies, adding, "I’m leaving all my options open."
Recent political history suggests that candidates might begin to declare their intentions for the 2028 election as early as January.