New York Democratic Socialists urge Ocasio-Cortez to run for US president | Elections News
NYC-DSA Calls for Ocasio-Cortez to Run for President in 2028
November 15, 2026
The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has formally passed a resolution urging Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to consider a presidential run in 2028. The resolution, which reflects a significant initiative within the party, passed with a vote of 291 to 123 during the chapter’s convention held on Saturday.
While the vote does not constitute a formal endorsement from the DSA, it signals the chapter’s commitment to mobilize support for a potential campaign by Ocasio-Cortez, who has been a key figure in progressive politics.
Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of NYC-DSA, noted the organization’s growing political influence, stating, “If the U.S. can elect Trump, I think we can elect Democratic Socialists,” in reference to former President Donald Trump.
The convention follows a successful midterm election cycle for DSA-endorsed candidates, with eight individuals elected to federal office. These candidates are set to take office in January, marking a historic achievement for the organization.
Ocasio-Cortez, widely known as AOC, is a committed member of the NYC-DSA, which has approximately 15,000 members. The chapter has been instrumental in advancing the progressive agenda in the region, having supported Ocasio-Cortez in all five of her congressional elections since her initial victory over a long-standing incumbent in 2018.
“Now that we have put a mayor into City Hall and have elected three socialists in the city, I think regardless of how politicians feel about DSA personally, they’re definitely looking at what we say and how we’re moving,” said Grace Mausser, co-chair of NYC-DSA. “We are one of the biggest political actors in the city, in the state, and the country, frankly.”
Ocasio-Cortez, representing New York’s 14th congressional district, has gained national attention for advocating policies such as universal healthcare, tuition-free public college, and labor protections.
The NYC-DSA has yet to finalize a national presidential platform, but Mausser indicated it would focus on issues encountered during discussions with voters, including housing, healthcare, and childcare.
“The top issues at the doors that we encounter are housing, healthcare, childcare – the hallmarks of affordability,” she said. “Those would all become the core of a federal platform.”
According to the resolution, a campaign would provide an opportunity to develop a platform addressing the needs of the working class. Key priorities identified include public housing, reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, labor organizing, and support for the anti-war and pro-Palestine movements.
This call to action adds to a growing momentum among leftist groups to persuade Ocasio-Cortez to enter the 2028 presidential race, especially following discussions within the national DSA regarding her endorsement and the launch of an independent initiative named “Ready for AOC.”
Ocasio-Cortez has stated that she will determine her political future after the midterm elections, leaving options open for a potential presidential bid or a challenge for a U.S. Senate seat.
