Ocasio-Cortez weighs presidential or Senate run in 2028

The choice Ocasio-Cortez is weighing

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is considering two paths for 2028: running for president or seeking the New York Senate seat now held by fellow Democrat Chuck Schumer.

Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged the recurring questions about her plans in a fundraising email to supporters. In a New York Times interview, she said a decision could come after the 2026 midterm elections and would turn on where she believes she could do the most good. She also said her choice would not be controlled by deference to another officeholder. Fox News detailed her comments and the possible 2028 choices.

Schumer has not announced his plans

A Senate campaign by Ocasio-Cortez would create a Democratic primary contest with Schumer only if both entered the race. Schumer, who has served in the Senate since 1999, has not announced whether he will seek another term in 2028.

When asked about reelection, Schumer has said his immediate focus is the 2026 election and an effort to regain Senate control for Democrats. His office did not respond to Fox News before its article was published.

What comes next

Ocasio-Cortez recently traveled through upstate New York to support Democratic candidates running in the 2026 elections. The trip prompted discussion about whether she was also developing relationships beyond her New York City base, but she did not announce a statewide campaign.

Neither Ocasio-Cortez nor Schumer has launched a 2028 Senate campaign, and Ocasio-Cortez has not launched a presidential campaign. Her decision and Schumer’s reelection plans remain separate, unresolved steps.