Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has not ruled out a 2028 presidential run, telling Fox News Digital her focus remains on protecting Medicaid and other Democratic priorities—but not denying her long-term political ambitions.

Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at the squad rally addressing the supporters in Detroit at Cass Technical High School to gather support for upcoming primaries on Sunday, July 24, 2022. The Squad Rally

Asked about growing speculation sparked by a recent campaign-style video posted to her account on X, Ocasio-Cortez responded:

“I think what people should be most concerned about is the fact that Republicans are trying to cut Medicaid right now, and people’s healthcare is in danger. That’s really what my central focus is.”

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The New York congresswoman continued, “This moment isn’t about campaigns, or elections, or about politics. It’s about making sure people are protected.”

Her comments came on President Donald Trump’s 100th day in office, amid a heated partisan debate over the future of entitlement programs. Despite President Trump’s repeated promises not to cut Medicaid, Ocasio-Cortez cited the issue as a top concern.

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She also referenced alleged deportations and arrests during the current administration, saying:

“We’ve got people that are getting locked up for exercising their First Amendment rights. We’re getting 2-year-olds that are getting deported into cells in Honduras. We’re getting people that are about to get kicked off of Medicaid.”

Ocasio-Cortez has been traveling the country alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., as part of the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, which has drawn attention from Democrats and pundits alike who suspect she may be preparing for a national campaign.

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In a recent event in Idaho, Ocasio-Cortez took the stage and declared, “I’m a girl from the Bronx,” adding, “To be welcomed here in this state… this is what this country is all about.”

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The tour and her campaign-style messaging led FiveThirtyEight founder Nate Silver and podcast host Galen Druke to name her a top contender for the Democratic nomination in 2028.

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Druke noted, “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has broad appeal across the Democratic Party.”

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at the “Our Fight Our Future” voter rally at Texas State University in San Marcos Tuesday October 1, 2024.

Her rising influence was also reflected in a Siena College poll conducted April 14–16, showing her with 47% favorability among New York voters—surpassing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who polled at 39% following backlash over his support for a Republican-backed budget bill.

Ocasio-Cortez’s fundraising numbers have also drawn attention. Her campaign reported raising $9.6 million over the past three months from over 266,000 individual donors, with an average contribution of $21.

“I cannot convey enough how grateful I am to the millions of people supporting us with your time, resources, & energy,” she wrote on social media.

Political strategist Joe Caiazzo, a veteran of both of Sanders’ presidential campaigns, said Ocasio-Cortez is one of several Democrats “test ballooning” a possible run as the party seeks new leadership.

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Republican strategist Colin Reed warned Democrats not to underestimate her political reach. “She shouldn’t be discounted,” Reed said, though he questioned whether her progressive policies are viable on a national scale.

As Democrats continue to struggle with party leadership and messaging in the wake of Republican victories, Reed said the void is giving AOC and Sanders more visibility.

He added that their private jet travel while pushing environmental causes will likely continue to raise questions among voters.

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