Progressive Organizations Urge Ocasio-Cortez and Khanna to Run for President in 2028

Progressive groups are encouraging Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York and Ro Khanna to enter the 2028 Democratic presidential primary. RootsAction and Progressive Democrats of America are leading the campaign, aiming for a strong progressive presence in upcoming elections. Previously, Progressive Democrats of America supported Bernie Sanders’s 2016 presidential run, marking a significant moment in the progressive movement.

The organizations stress the importance of having a progressive candidate on the ticket. A joint statement explained, “Without a progressive populist advocate atop the ticket, the Democratic response would be woefully underwhelming, enabling right-wing demagoguery to push voter unrest in dangerous and divisive directions.” Although neither Ocasio-Cortez nor Khanna was informed about the campaign beforehand, the groups hope one or both will join the race.

AOC and Ro Khanna’s Chances in the Polls

Candidates generally announce presidential campaigns after the midterms. However, potential candidates are visiting key primary states to enhance name recognition and connect with crucial voters. Early polls have a notable impact, influencing donors and voters to assess a candidate’s viability, affecting both fundraising and media exposure.

Recent polls reveal Kamala Harris as a familiar figure with an early lead among potential Democratic primary voters. Other possible candidates include California Governor Gavin Newsom, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. In a survey by Echelon Insights, Ocasio-Cortez received 11% support, Khanna 1%, and Harris led with 18%. Buttigieg and Newsom followed with 13% and 12%, respectively. The poll involved 1,002 likely voters between August 13 and 17, 2026, with a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points.

A FocalData poll showed Ocasio-Cortez with 10% and Khanna with 1%, with Harris leading at 31%. Newsom was second at 13%. This poll surveyed 2,178 adults from August 28 to September 2, 2026.

Ocasio-Cortez and Khanna on the 2028 Election

In May, Ocasio-Cortez addressed presidential rumors, emphasizing her focus on transformative policies. She remarked, “Presidents come and go. Senate, House seats, elected officials come and go. But single-payer healthcare is forever. A living wage is forever, workers’ rights are forever, women’s rights, all of that.”

Khanna has expressed serious consideration for a 2028 run. Speaking to NPR, he warned of the potential consequences if substantial changes were not made. He supports an economic patriotism vision to rejuvenate deindustrialized communities and expand economic opportunities across the country.

For further details, contact Newsweek editors Jason Lemon and Gray R. Thomas.