Fact Check: Do polls show Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's approval linked to Zohran Mamdani ties?
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Amid her subtle steps toward a potential 2028 presidential campaign, a rumor began circulating on social media claiming that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s poll numbers are dropping rapidly because of her ties to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The claim quickly gained traction across Facebook and X, with users sharing posts suggesting the New York congresswoman could be facing serious political trouble. Here's a closer look at the claim and whether any evidence supports it.
Claim: Polls show a low approval rating for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
According to the viral claim, the New York congresswoman is in real danger of losing her seat in a New York primary race due to declining approval ratings. The post further alleges that her association with Mayor Zohran Mamdani and perceived ideological positions are driving the supposed decline.
The claim spread widely on Facebook and X, garnering hundreds of thousands of views and prompting criticism of both Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani. At the same time, many users questioned the authenticity of the claim and sought evidence to support it.
Fact Check: No credible polls support the viral claim
There are no publicly available polls showing a low approval rating for the New York 14th Congressional District representative that match the viral claim. A review of available reports and polling data yielded no credible evidence supporting the assertion that Ocasio-Cortez is facing a dramatic decline in support.
Even if a poll showing lower approval ratings existed, determining the exact causes behind voter sentiment would be difficult. There is no evidence demonstrating that Mamdani is responsible for any alleged change in Ocasio-Cortez's standing with voters.
Additionally, statements that she is in "danger of losing her seat" or that her support is declining because of "ties to communism" are subjective opinions rather than verifiable facts.
The claim appears to have originated from the Facebook page 'America's Last Line of Defense', a well-known parody account. The page openly states in its bio, "Nothing on this page is real," indicating that its content is intended as satire rather than factual reporting.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's White House prospects draw attention
Recent reporting has focused on Ocasio-Cortez's growing national profile and the possibility that she could emerge as a contender in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary.
According to Axios, "the New York congresswoman is making new moves toward a possible White House bid," citing what the outlet described as a de facto national tour that has included visits to politically important states such as Pennsylvania and Georgia, along with meetings with influential Democratic Party figures.
The report noted, "Whether AOC jumps into the race is one of the biggest X factors in the 2028 Democratic primary."
Axios further reported that Democratic strategists believe Ocasio-Cortez could raise substantial funds from small-dollar donors, attract supporters who previously backed Sen. Bernie Sanders, and command national attention in a crowded field should she decide to run.
