Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says she’ll decide after the midterms whether she’ll mount a 2028 run for the White House or a Senate seat — while noting that she wouldn’t be heartbroken if she winds up out of elective office altogether, which is wise on multiple fronts.
She’ll make up her own mind, whatever we say; and she’s certainly right that she doesn’t have to win another race to make a difference.
For what it’s worth, polling suggests she’d have an excellent shot at beating Sen. Chuck Schumer in the Democratic primary, and so a fine chance of winning in November in deep-blue New York — though recent surveys suggest her statewide popularity is dropping.
Maybe it’s a mistake to campaign now with Gov. Kathy Hochul.
On the other hand, if she passes, the Democratic Socialists may tap the insufferable Chi Ossé to take on Schumer, which can only harm the DSA’s cause.
As for White House ambitions: Polls now suggest she’s the strongest name floated in Democratic circles, although that means little this far out.
More important, she’s already one of the top fundraisers in Congress, with an electric charisma and a deft hand at building bridges with other lawmakers.
And she’s a top standard-bearer for the left, seemingly set up to be Sen. Bernie Sanders’ heir even though their coalitions differ somewhat — and support for socialism is surging, with 43% of Americans viewing it favorably, per Gallup.
Fine: Maybe her hard-left stances (anti-fracking stance, abolish ICE, socialized health care and free college) won’t play as well in two years, but this could be her moment.
Trying to move up is always a risk, so AOC is smart to realize she may wind up with no office at all.
On the other hand, voters can tell if you don’t really need to win — and they like the attitude.
Seems to us that AOC should look to move up from the House — and, if she loses, be content with moving on with her life.
This story originally appeared on NYPost
