Key facts
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has not ruled out challenging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in 2028.
- Ocasio-Cortez stated she would "cross that bridge when I get to it" regarding a potential run.
- Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that any decision she makes would be personal.
- A survey found 55% of likely Democratic voters would support or lean toward supporting Ocasio-Cortez, while 36% would back Schumer.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent progressive Democrat, has left open the possibility of challenging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in 2028. When questioned by The New York Times about a potential run when Schumer's current term concludes, Ocasio-Cortez stated she would address such a decision if and when it arises, saying, "And I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it." She stressed that any such decision would be a personal one, not dictated by deference to party leadership.
Ocasio-Cortez, 36, has been frequently mentioned as a potential challenger to the 75-year-old Schumer, and even as a possible presidential candidate in 2028. Since her 2018 victory in a House of Representatives race in New York City, she has cultivated a significant public profile. Her policy positions have gained traction among younger Democrats, women, and Hispanic voters, according to New York Times/Siena University polling. She has also emerged as a key figure in mobilizing opposition to Donald Trump.
Data from the Federal Election Commission indicates Ocasio-Cortez has raised substantial funds, exceeding $32 million since 2025, with over $15 million in cash reserves as of June 2026. However, she remains a polarizing figure, with a significant portion of likely voters holding unfavorable views. Despite being discussed as a potential presidential contender, Ocasio-Cortez has remained non-committal about her future plans, acknowledging the realities of electability, particularly for a Latina woman in the current political climate.
A survey conducted by Data for Progress found that 55% of likely Democratic voters would support or lean toward supporting Ocasio-Cortez, compared to 36% who would back Schumer, suggesting a potential shift in voter preference within the party.