Progressive Campaign for 2028

Progressive groups RootsAction and Progressive Democrats of America have launched a campaign encouraging Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ro Khanna to participate in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary. This advocacy follows their earlier “Run, Bernie, Run” campaign, which supported Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders’ influential 2016 run.

The organizations emphasized the importance of having a progressive leader at the forefront, warning against enabling divisive right-wing rhetoric. They acknowledged not notifying Ocasio-Cortez or Khanna ahead of the campaign launch but showed strong interest in their participation.

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.

Newsweek is seeking comments from spokespersons for both legislators.

Polling Insights for AOC and Khanna

Potential presidential candidates typically wait until after midterms to announce campaigns, but efforts to boost name recognition are already underway. Polls, while not definitive, influence fundraising and media coverage based on candidate viability.

Recent figures show Kamala Harris leading among Democrats. She is followed by Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg, Jon Ossoff, Mark Kelly, and Josh Shapiro. Echelon Insights data reports Ocasio-Cortez at 11% and Khanna at 1%, contrasting with Harris’s 18%. This survey involved 1,002 likely voters from August 13-17, 2026, with a 3.4% margin of error.

Similarly, a FocalData poll lists Ocasio-Cortez at 10% and Khanna at 1%, with Harris commanding 31% support over Newsom’s 13%. This survey sampled 2,178 adults between August 28 and September 2, 2026.

AOC and Khanna’s Perspective on 2028

In May, Ocasio-Cortez discussed presidential rumors with David Axelrod, highlighting her commitment to long-term reforms over political titles. She reflected on the permanence of policies like single-payer healthcare and living wages.

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…

In August, Khanna expressed serious contemplation of a 2028 run on NPR. He advocated for “economic patriotism” aimed at widespread economic benefit beyond Silicon Valley.

I’m the nice guy. I just want a new social contract. Have you met these folks in their 30s? They want pitchforks and torches. They want your scalps… politically.

Khanna noted that Ocasio-Cortez’s decision regarding her candidacy would not influence his choice, elaborating on his vision for national economic advancement.

I have a vision called economic patriotism…

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