Socialists Make Major Move for 2028 Presidential Race

The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America voted 291 to 123 at its convention to urge Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to run for president in 2028.

Co-chair Gustavo Gordillo described the resolution as a commitment to encourage and build the foundation for a campaign rather than a formal endorsement.

He stated that AOC and NYC-DSA are committed to strengthening the democratic socialist movement and will create conditions for a presidential effort advancing a working-class agenda.

The measure joins similar resolutions already passed by chapters in Atlanta, Colorado, Los Angeles, and Ithaca.

Priorities highlighted in related efforts include Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, an arms embargo on Israel, abolishing ICE, public housing, and labor organizing.

The NYC chapter also advanced plans to expand influence over the City Council and contest statewide races, including targeting establishment Democrats.

Some members opposed the resolution, arguing AOC has strayed from core DSA identity and that early urging could complicate a later endorsement process.

Ocasio-Cortez has not announced a campaign and previously indicated she would weigh options after the midterms.

Other DSA chapters nationwide have floated “Run AOC Run” messaging, and national leadership has prepared processes that could allow earlier consideration.

The vote occurred amid strong midterm showings by DSA-endorsed candidates.

Gordillo’s comments framed the action as infrastructure-building rather than immediate endorsement. Debates inside the convention touched on whether the move confuses formal processes.

The resolution commits the local chapter to relationships and groundwork for 2028 contests at multiple levels.

AOC remains a longtime member of the NYC chapter, which has grown significantly.

Supporters view her as one of the movement’s most viable national figures. Critics within DSA worry about dilution of principles.

The push adds to grassroots pressure following the midterms.

City Council ambitions signal intent to convert local gains into broader power. The convention also addressed membership growth and other organizational matters.

Outcomes will depend on whether AOC chooses to enter the race and how national DSA responds.

The development marks an early formal step by a major local chapter toward a 2028 socialist-aligned bid.