Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is openly weighing her political future, including possible campaigns for president or the U.S. Senate in 2028, but says she does not expect to make a decision until after November’s midterm elections.
The New York Democrat discussed her options during an interview with New York Times national political correspondent Shane Goldmacher. The conversation comes as Ocasio-Cortez expands her political activity beyond her Bronx and Queens district, including a $300,000 contribution to help New York Democrats and plans to campaign in Buffalo, Syracuse and Ithaca.
Ocasio-Cortez, who turns 37 in October, acknowledged that the timing of a presidential campaign is among the factors she is considering.
“There’s an argument that some make that this is a very unique political window and, oftentimes in politics, you do only get one shot,” she told the Times.
She added that life does not necessarily wait until someone feels prepared for a major decision.
Her potential choices after the midterms include continuing in the House, seeking the New York Senate seat currently held by Chuck Schumer when it comes up in 2028, or pursuing the Democratic presidential nomination. Recent reporting confirms she has declined to rule out challenging Schumer.
Ocasio-Cortez also discussed how her age, gender and ethnicity factor into her deliberations.
“I think about it personally. I am 36, I’m about to turn 37 years old, and what that means for my life,” she said. She also noted that she is a Latina woman and said questions about “electability” inevitably enter her calculations.
When discussing a possible Senate campaign, Ocasio-Cortez indicated she would make her decision independently rather than waiting for other politicians.
“I don’t think that my decisions would come down to deference,” she said.
A presidential campaign, however, would carry different consequences in her view.
“It’s very all or nothing. If I were to run in this cycle, and not win, I would be done,” Ocasio-Cortez said. She added that accepting such an outcome does not eliminate a presidential campaign from consideration.
Her political operation already has substantial financial resources. Federal Election Commission records show Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign reported more than $32.6 million in receipts during the 2025-2026 cycle through June 30, with approximately $16 million in cash on hand.
But Ocasio-Cortez described her ambitions as extending beyond any particular office.
“My ambition is way bigger than that. My ambition is to change this country,” she said, pointing to single-payer health care, a living wage, workers’ rights and women’s rights as lasting policy goals.
For now, there is no Ocasio-Cortez 2028 presidential or Senate campaign. There is, however, an increasingly public discussion about both possibilities, and Ocasio-Cortez herself is participating in it.
Her next decision, she says, comes after voters have their say in November.
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