Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has dismissed speculation about a potential run for the White House or Senate in 2028, stating that her primary ambition is to transform the United States. Speaking at a political forum in Chicago on Friday, the New York Democrat responded to a question from strategist David Axelrod by declaring: 'My ambition is to change this country.'
Ocasio-Cortez, who represents parts of the Bronx and Queens, addressed the growing belief that she is positioning herself for higher office. 'What’s funny is they assume my ambition is a title or a seat,' she said. 'Presidents come and go. Senate, House seats, elected officials come and go. But single-payer healthcare is forever.' She also cited other key policy goals, including a living wage, workers' rights, and women's rights.
The congresswoman emphasised that she does not base decisions on a desire for a specific position. 'I make decisions by waking up in the morning, looking out the window and observing the conditions of this country,' she explained. '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.'
Her comments come amid early jockeying for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, with a recent Harvard CAPS/Harris poll showing Ocasio-Cortez tied at 9% support among Democratic voters, alongside former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Former Vice-President Kamala Harris led the field at 24%, followed by California Governor Gavin Newsom at 12%.
Ocasio-Cortez's remarks follow a podcast appearance with comedian Ilana Glazer, where she discussed systemic inequalities. 'When you have these systems, when you have corporations, when you have an economic elite … there’s a certain level of wealth and accumulation that is unearned,' she said, adding that under the US system, 'You can’t earn a billion dollars.'
