AOC gets push for 2028 White House bid as New York socialists urge presidential run
WASHINGTON, DC: The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has passed a resolution urging Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to run for president and launch a White House campaign in 2028. The measure, which passed on Saturday, November 14, was not a formal endorsement but marked another effort by members of the organization to encourage the New York Democrat to enter the presidential race.
The resolution was approved by a vote of 291 to 123. It described a potential presidential run by Ocasio-Cortez as an opportunity to advance a working-class political agenda and expand the reach of the democratic socialist movement across the country. The congresswoman has not announced whether she intends to run and has said she plans to consider her next political move after the 2026 midterm elections.
New York DSA urges AOC to run for president in 2028
Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the New York City DSA chapter, described the resolution as “a commitment to encouraging and building the foundation for a presidential campaign.”
"AOC and New York City DSA are committed to building a stronger democratic socialist movement and DSA will create the conditions for a presidential campaign capable of advancing a working-class political agenda," Gordillo said during a press conference after the convention.
The New York resolution followed similar measures passed by DSA chapters in Atlanta, Colorado, Los Angeles and Ithaca, New York. Those resolutions also outlined the policies members want Ocasio-Cortez to champion, including an arms embargo on Israel, abolishing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Medicare for All and the Green New Deal.
However, the proposal also faced opposition from some members. Critics argued that Ocasio-Cortez had moved away from the group's core identity and priorities. Others expressed concern that pushing for a presidential campaign could create confusion ahead of a separate endorsement process.
Gordillo downplayed the disagreements, saying differences of opinion were common during votes within the organization and could strengthen its relationship with elected officials.
AOC weighs presidential and Senate runs after 2026 midterms
Gordillo said the organization rarely reached unanimous decisions on its resolutions. He also argued that allowing members to express disagreement did not undermine grassroots organizing and that members would be prepared to become foot soldiers for a democratic socialist presidential campaign.
"When we allow dissent, when we allow people to pose constructive critiques of our elected officials, it makes them buy into the movement, Gordillo said. "We actually have a strong history of doing just that with the congresswoman, where we have not always been aligned on some of her positions on Palestine, and we've been able to work together and strengthen both DSA and her own platform. I think that's what we're committing to doing here.".
The latest push comes as Ocasio-Cortez weighs her political future. The congresswoman has openly discussed the possibility of running for the White House or seeking a seat in the US Senate. She has said she plans to make a decision after the 2026 midterms.
Ocasio-Cortez has also discussed several personal and political factors that could influence her decision, including her ethnicity, personal life, age and which political path would give her a better chance of winning.
The congresswoman rejoined the Democratic Socialists of America in August after her membership had lapsed. However, her relationship with the organization has faced strains over policy differences.
The latest resolution adds to the growing calls from DSA chapters for Ocasio-Cortez to consider a presidential campaign, although the congresswoman has yet to commit to a 2028 run.
