Progressive Groups Advocate for AOC and Ro Khanna in the 2028 Presidential Primary

Campaign Launch for the 2028 Presidential Race

Progressive organizations are urging Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ro Khanna to consider a run in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary. The campaign has been initiated by RootsAction and Progressive Democrats of America. Their joint statement emphasizes the significance of having progressive advocates at the forefront of the ticket.

The groups stated, “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.”

The organizations disclosed they did not inform Ocasio-Cortez and Khanna before launching the campaign, yet expressed a strong desire to see one or both enter the race. Newsweek has sought responses from representatives of Ocasio-Cortez and Khanna via email.

Early Polling and Political Landscape

Presidential hopefuls generally announce their candidacy post-midterm elections; however, candidates have been visiting key primary states to gain recognition and connect with pivotal voters. While early polls are not definitive indicators of campaign outcomes, they significantly influence funding and media coverage.

Recent polling indicates Kamala Harris as a prominent contender among key Democratic demographics, followed by potential candidates Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg, Jon Ossoff, Mark Kelly, and Josh Shapiro. A survey by Echelon Insights gives Ocasio-Cortez 11% support and Khanna 1%, with Kamala Harris leading at 18%. Another poll from FocalData sees Harris at 31%, with Ocasio-Cortez at 10% and Khanna maintaining a 1% stance.

Statements from Ocasio-Cortez and Khanna

Ocasio-Cortez expressed her ambitions in May, stating her focus on impactful policies over office ambitions. “Presidents come and go,” she said, emphasizing the importance of lasting socioeconomic changes like single-payer healthcare and workers’ rights.

Conversely, Khanna has publicly acknowledged his contemplation of a 2028 candidacy. He believes the nation requires significant change to avoid a socio-political crisis and talks of constructing an ‘economic patriotism’ approach. He aims to champion economic growth across varied communities, not isolated regions like Silicon Valley.

Khanna insists his decision will be independent of Ocasio-Cortez’s choice, driven by his vision to foster economic progress throughout the U.S.