New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has dismissed speculation about a potential run for higher office in 2028, declaring that her true ambition is to transform the United States. Speaking at a political forum in Chicago on Friday, the progressive Democrat responded to a question from Democratic strategist David Axelrod about her White House aspirations by stating: “My ambition is to change this country.”
Ambition Beyond Titles
During a conversation hosted by the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics, Axelrod directly asked Ocasio-Cortez whether she planned to run for president or challenge Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The New York representative replied: “What’s funny is they assume my ambition is a title or a seat. My ambition is to change this country. Presidents come and go. Senate, House seats, elected officials come and go. But single-payer healthcare is forever.” She went on to list other key policy priorities, including a living wage, workers’ rights, and women’s rights, emphasising that detachment from personal ambition is “tremendously liberating.”
Early Jockeying for 2028
Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks come as Democrats begin positioning themselves for the 2028 presidential race, which is expected to intensify after the November midterm elections. A recent Harvard CAPS/Harris poll shows former Vice-President Kamala Harris leading Democratic voter support at 24%, followed by California Governor Gavin Newsom at 12%, and Pete Buttigieg and Ocasio-Cortez tied at 9% each. Despite the speculation, Ocasio-Cortez insisted she focuses on meeting the moment rather than pursuing a specific title. “I make decisions by waking up in the morning, looking out the window and observing the conditions of this country. And saying what move or what decision can I make today that is going to get us closer to that future, stronger, faster, better than yesterday,” she said.
Her comments follow a recent podcast appearance with comedian Ilana Glazer, where she discussed entrenched economic, racial, and social inequalities. Ocasio-Cortez argued that the US system allows for unearned wealth accumulation, stating: “You can’t earn a billion dollars.”
