AOC won't rule out Senate bid after NY progressives notch primary wins: 'Inspired and encouraged'

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) declined to rule out a future Senate campaign after a trio of far-left candidates won New York's primary elections Tuesday, saying the results left her "inspired and encouraged."

The four-term ‘Squad’ member crushed her two Democratic primary challengers running to unseat her in New York’s 14th Congressional District. Coupled with the victories by three fellow progressives in her state, the results fueled speculation that Ocasio-Cortez could potentially mount a successful primary race against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY.

Progressive wins fuel speculation of primary challenge to Schumer

"I’m sorry I'm not going to be breaking any news here as I consider what's going to happen in the future," Ocasio-Cortez told Fox News Digital when asked whether the election results made her more inclined to run for Senate.

"But I’m definitely inspired and encouraged by all the new faces that we're going to be sending to the states and to Congress next year," she continued. 

Ocasio-Cortez, a four-term "Squad" member, easily defeated her two Democratic primary challengers in New York's 14th Congressional District.

Combined with wins by three other progressive candidates across the state, the results have fueled speculation that Ocasio-Cortez could mount a primary challenge against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

She has also previously declined to rule out a 2028 presidential run, telling Fox News Digital "maybe, maybe not" when asked about her future plans.

Asked whether the wins by candidates critical of Israel represented a blueprint for Democrats nationally, Ocasio-Cortez shifted the focus from policy to campaign strategy.

"It's not only about our substantive positions, but also how we organize and run as well," she said.

Zohran Mamdani’s candidates emerge victorious

The three winning candidates were all backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist. Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated incumbent Rep Adriano Espaillat in New York's 13th Congressional District; Assembly Member Claire Valdez won the primary in the 7th Congressional District, where Rep Nydia Velázquez is retiring; and former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander ousted Rep Dan Goldman in the 10th Congressional District.

All three aligned themselves with Mamdani's campaign in their respective races. If they win in November as expected, the victories would significantly expand the number of Democratic Socialists of America-aligned members in Congress.

The results have intensified an ongoing debate within the party over whether Mamdani-style progressive politics, including his focus on grassroots organizing, could be replicated in races beyond deep-blue New York City districts.

The outcomes followed Mamdani's own rise to the New York City mayor's office earlier this year, after which he has continued to campaign for like-minded candidates across the state.

The wins by Avila Chevalier, Valdez and Lander have been seen by some within the party as a sign of the progressive movement's growing organizational strength heading into the 2026 midterms.