Can Chuck Schumer Survive AOC?
Official photo of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 2018. Photo by Franmarie Metzler, U.S. House Office of Photography. Public domain.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is quietly building momentum for a major political decision in 2028. Whether she ultimately decides to challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer or pursue the presidency, many observers believe her increasing national profile and fundraising strength position her to make a serious bid in 2028. Meanwhile, she continues her work in the House, expanding her influence both in New York and across the country.
Expanding Reach Beyond the Bronx and Queens
Ocasio-Cortez, 35, has been campaigning far beyond her Bronx and Queens district, holding town halls in upstate New York and joining Sen. Bernie Sanders on his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour. These efforts aim to broaden her appeal for a potential statewide Senate run or a national campaign. Her team has also reportedly brought in former senior advisers to Sanders to bolster her operation, signaling a serious investment in building a robust campaign infrastructure.
At a town hall in Plattsburgh, N.Y., she emphasized the importance of every community in the state, a message that could resonate with voters outside her traditional base, as reported by Axios. Her office declined to comment on her future plans, and Schumer's team did not respond to requests for comment.
Fundraising Power Fuels Ambitions
Ocasio-Cortez's fundraising numbers underscore her growing political strength. In the first quarter of the year, she raised $9.6 million, more than doubling her previous best quarter. With over $8 million in cash on hand, her campaign is well-positioned financially for a competitive race.
According to POLITICO, her campaign manager noted that 64% of contributions came from first-time donors, with an average donation of $21. The majority of her donors are teachers, nurses, and other grassroots supporters. Ocasio-Cortez has maintained a strict policy of not accepting money from lobbyists or corporate PACs, reinforcing her image as a candidate of the progressive base.
Polling Shows Progressive Support in New York
A recent poll by Data for Progress found Ocasio-Cortez leading Schumer by 19 points in a hypothetical 2028 New York Democratic primary. Among likely Democratic voters, 55% supported or leaned toward AOC, while 36% backed or leaned toward Schumer, and 9% remain undecided, as reported by POLITICO.
This poll reflects growing dissatisfaction with Schumer among the party's liberal base, particularly after his vote to advance a GOP funding bill that avoided a government shutdown. Some progressive groups and House members have called on Schumer to take a tougher stance against President Donald Trump or step down as minority leader. Despite this, Schumer retains strong support within the Senate Democratic Caucus.
National Profile and Digital Growth
Ocasio-Cortez's social media presence has surged, with over 36 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, and Bluesky. This digital reach has helped her expand her grassroots fundraising and build a national supporter base. Her team has reportedly spent millions on digital advertising, resulting in hundreds of thousands of new small-dollar donors.
Her national campaigning experience and media visibility have been noted by former aides to Sanders, who see her as a potential heir apparent capable of broadening the progressive movement's appeal beyond its traditional base.
Progressive Policy Positions and Party Dynamics
Ocasio-Cortez has championed progressive policies such as Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Her willingness to challenge the Democratic establishment has drawn enthusiastic support from the party's left wing. She has publicly criticized top Democrats, including Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, for not endorsing progressive candidates in local races.
Schumer, by contrast, has defended his legislative decisions as pragmatic efforts to avoid government shutdowns and limit Trump's influence. His supporters emphasize his ability to maintain party unity and navigate complex Senate dynamics.
The Stakes for 2028
Ocasio-Cortez's decision in the coming years will have significant implications for the Democratic Party. A Senate run would pit her against an entrenched party leader, while a presidential bid would place her in a crowded field seeking the party's nomination. Some allies believe that even if she does not expect to win the nomination, a presidential campaign could ensure the progressive wing has a voice in the primary, similar to Sanders' 2016 run. According to a Sanders aide, it would be the "height of arrogance to assume she couldn't win the 2028 nomination," as reported by the New York Post.
Yet AOC would face significant headwinds: Schumer's deep connections within Democratic leadership, institutional fundraising networks, appeal to moderate and establishment demographics, and the logistical challenge of converting her base into broader statewide and national support.
The outcome of her choice could influence the party's ideological direction and leadership style, shaping what it means to be a Democrat in 2028.
Right-Wing Reactions
Conservative commentators have frequently highlighted Ocasio-Cortez's most controversial views, such as her calls to abolish ICE and support for expansive social programs, to portray her as emblematic of the Democratic Party's leftward shift. Republicans argue that her politics could alienate moderate voters and complicate the party's electoral prospects.
Despite this, her fundraising and polling strength indicate she is energizing a significant segment of the Democratic base eager for change.
As 2028 approaches, all eyes will be on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's next move. Her growing momentum, financial resources, and national profile position her as a key player in the party's future, with the potential to reshape Democratic politics for years to come.
References: AOC builds toward a big choice for 2028 | Ocasio-Cortez raised $9.6 million in 3 months, smashing her own record | Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is eyeing a presidential run in 2028: report | Poll: AOC leads Schumer in head-to-head New York primary matchup by double digits | AOC Eyes 2028 Presidential Run
