File photo of Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a press conference outside the Capitol in Washington, D.C. (USA). EFE/Will Oliver
Washington, Aug 9 (EFE) – Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a leading figure on the left wing of the Democratic Party, stated Sunday that she has not ruled out running for president in 2028 to succeed Republican President Donald Trump.
Ocasio-Cortez, who is of Puerto Rican descent, made the remarks in an interview with ABC News when asked about a recent University of New Hampshire poll that places her as the frontrunner in the Democratic presidential primaries.
“I haven’t ruled out the possibility, and I’m very honored by the tremendous support I’m receiving,” responded the 36-year-old congresswoman, who nevertheless affirmed that she is currently “focused” on securing her reelection in her New York district in the midterm elections on November 3.
During the interview, Ocasio-Cortez also did not rule out competing in the Democratic primaries against Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer to try to unseat him for his New York seat in 2028.
In her view, Abdul El-Sayed’s recent victory in the Michigan Democratic primary demonstrates that the party is undergoing a generational “renewal.”
El-Sayed, a Muslim and also considered part of the party’s left wing, won the primary last Tuesday to win a seat representing his Midwestern state and has been criticized by Trump and Republicans, who believe the Democrats are embracing communism.
Ocasio-Cortez is considered a political heir to Senator Bernie Sanders, a former Democratic presidential candidate, and maintains a close political relationship with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is associated with the Democratic Socialist wing of the party.
A University of New Hampshire poll of Democratic presidential candidates puts Ocasio-Cortez in the lead with 22% support, followed by former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg with 21%, and California Governor Gavin Newsom with 15%.
On the Republican side, the frontrunners to succeed Trump, who is ineligible for a third term, are Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
