Democratic Socialists of America Official Says Group Would Be 'Thrilled' by Ocasio-Cortez Presidential Run in 2028

Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), recently shared that a significant portion of the organization would welcome a potential 2028 presidential campaign by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. Speaking on a national news program, Gordillo conveyed the group's potential excitement.

His comments followed a discussion about the DSA's strategic involvement in future elections, particularly after a DSA-supported candidate secured a notable victory against an incumbent Democrat in Colorado's recent primary elections. When asked if the organization had begun preparations for the 2028 presidential contest, Gordillo acknowledged the DSA's intent.

"I think that we will be trying to influence the next presidential primary," Gordillo stated, adding, "And it’s still too soon to say how...to say who." He further remarked, "You know, I think that many in the organization would be very thrilled if Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ended up running, but ultimately that’s her decision, and we’ll be in conversation."

DSA's Growing Influence in Primaries

The discussion surrounding the DSA's electoral strategy comes on the heels of several significant primary upsets. Earlier this week, Democratic Representative Diana DeGette, who first entered Congress in 1996 and took office in 1997, was unseated by Melat Kiros in Colorado. Kiros, a 29-year-old former attorney and first-time candidate, received backing from the DSA.

This impactful win follows other recent successes for DSA-aligned candidates in New York City. Just a week prior, Darializa Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old progressive community organizer, successfully challenged and defeated incumbent Democratic Representative Adriano Espaillat, who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Additionally, state Assembly Member Claire Valdez, another candidate aligned with the DSA, secured a congressional primary victory to succeed the retiring Representative Nydia Velázquez.

Ocasio-Cortez's Support for Progressive Candidates

Representative Ocasio-Cortez has openly endorsed these candidates, even in instances where they have faced scrutiny for controversial past statements. For example, Chevalier previously referred to the United States as "a f---ing disgrace." In a separate interview conducted last week on a national news program, Ocasio-Cortez encouraged her Democratic colleagues in Congress to adopt a more supportive stance towards candidates backed by the DSA.

I actually think the more important advice that I would give would be to my incumbent colleagues — which is you will create a self-fulfilling prophecy by deciding who these young women are before you've met them.

When directly asked about her own presidential aspirations, Ocasio-Cortez offered a nuanced response, stating, "Could I be president? Could I not be president? Maybe, maybe not."